Author: bang1

  • Sunday Brunch hosts Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy announce huge shake up to Channel 4 show

    Sunday Brunch hosts Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy announce huge shake up to Channel 4 show

    TV presenters Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy announced a major change for their Channel 4 show Sunday Brunch after 13 years as hosts of the weekend cooking programme

    Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy have confirmed a huge shake up to their hit show Sunday Brunch after 13 years.

    The presenting duo have been entertaining Channel 4 viewers for over a decade after launching the Sunday show in March 2012. They began hosting the programme when their BBC series Something for the Weekend was axed. Simon and Tim wrapped up their final episode of Sunday Brunch for 2024 today and made an annoucement.

    The pair confirmed the show would be returning in the new year, yet with a different timeslot. Sunday Brunch will now air 30 minutes later and run from 10am till 1pm. Currently, the show kicks off at 9:30am until 12:30pm. Fans will still get their full three-hour fix of the cooking show with the change in place.

    Simon and Tim said the new schedule will officially start on their next programme on January 5. Sunday Brunch initially ran for two hours from 9:30am and 11:30am. However, bosses were impressed and soon added an extra hour to the show. Spin-off programme Daily Brunch aired in 2014 as well as a Saturday edition, which aired on weekends when major horse racing events took place.

    Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer
    Tim and Simon have been hosting the show for 13 years 
    Image:
    (Channel 4 images must not be altered or manipulated in any way) CHANNEL 4 PICTURE PUBLICITY 124 HORSEFERRY ROAD LONDON SW1P 2TX This picture may be used solely for Channel 4 programme publicity purposes in connection with the current broadcast of the programme(s) featured in the national and local press and listings. Not to be reproduced or redistributed for any use or in any medium not set out above (including the internet or other electronic form) without the prior written consent of Channel 4 Picture Publicity.)

    The show would be renamed as Weekend Brunch and saw Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh step into hosting duties. She would host the show alongside Simon and Tim on-location at various racing events. Tim had to take some time out of the show when he had a back operation, meaning Johnny Vegas filled in.

    Earlier this year, Simon revealed to the Mirror how Sunday Brunch isn’t just about celebrating fine food, but also there to help platform up and coming music artists. “I think the older I get, then the more varied my musical tastes go, and we’re very lucky on Sunday brunch that we have such a diverse range of acts [performing on the show] – we really do,” Simon told us.

    Sunday Brunch's Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy
    Sunday Brunch’s Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy made a huge show annoucement 
    Image:
    Channel 4)
    “For example, we had Ride on last weekend, who I hadn’t really listened to since the nineties, and they’re got a new album out and it’s fantastic,” the Sunday Brunch presenter continued. “Then equally, you’ll get somebody like English Teacher who were on our playlist and you go ‘Wow! What a fantastic different sound that they’ve got’.

    “So my [musical taste] is incredibly diverse and even with things that I was listening to when I was growing up in the seventies, I still like. I still listen to The Eagles in Fleetwood Mac and and ELO So I I find the older I get, the more diverse my musical taste.” Just a few weeks ago, the Sunday Brunch hosts were mocked over the name of a new segment.

    Tim told viewers: “Since it’s Spotify Wrapped season we wanted to look back at Simon’s ‘Rimcaps’ and see which dishes have been the most popular online.” He stumbled: “It’s Rimcaps Wrapped… Unwrapped,” Tim stumbled, setting off a wave of giggles. Guest Joe Lycett cheekily said: “Is it wrapped or unwrapped?” and added: “Just to clarify, it’s called Rimcap? And everyone’s OK with that?” Simon responded with a grin: “I’m fine with that, Joe.”

  • Matty Healy fans go wild as his cameo in mum Denise Welch’s reality TV show teased

    Matty Healy fans go wild as his cameo in mum Denise Welch’s reality TV show teased

    Loose Women star Denise Welch is set to appear in Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted alongside her husband, Lincoln Townley, next month – but her son Matty Healy stands to steal their thunder

    Fans of the 1975 have been left stunned to see frontman Matty Healy will appear in a reality show with his mum, Denise Welch.

    The 35-year-old musician is the son of 66-year-old Loose Women star Denise and her ex-husband Tim Healy, 72 – who she was married to from 1988 until 2012. Earlier this year it was revealed that Denise would be taking part in the Channel 4 reality series Celebrity Hunted which sees a cast of stars attempting to make it to a specified location while avoiding professional hunters that plan to catch them.

    Fans of the 1975 have been left stunned to see frontman Matty Healy will appear in a reality show with his mum, Denise Welch.

    The 35-year-old musician is the son of 66-year-old Loose Women star Denise and her ex-husband Tim Healy, 72 – who she was married to from 1988 until 2012. Earlier this year it was revealed that Denise would be taking part in the Channel 4 reality series Celebrity Hunted which sees a cast of stars attempting to make it to a specified location while avoiding professional hunters that plan to catch them.

    Matt Healy performing with the 1975 in 2022
    The 1975 star stands to steal all the attention on Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted 
    Image:
    Getty Images)

    His mum then says: “They’ve [the hunters] have got our phone,” before Healy adds: “Well I’ve been saying I’ll meet you in Sunderland and stuff” – suggesting that Denise’s plan to secretly meet her son could ultimately lead to her getting caught. Channel 4 could see a boost in ratings for the upcoming season as fans of the 1975 have been flooding social media with comments and promises to tune in to watch the reality show.

    One fan gushed on X: “Celebrity hunted with matty omg need it.” Another typed: “Saw the trailer. I’m so watching it just to hear Matty talking or whatever.” Sharing footage via Instagram, one fan highlighted the star’s involvement, writing: “Matty Healy appears with mum, @denise_welch and her husband @lincolntownley who star in Channel 4 Celebrity Hunted Season 6! Matty helping them elude capture by sending misleading messages? Can’t wait to see how Denise and Lincoln do.”

    The 1975 have been largely out of the spotlight in recent months after vowing to take time off after an exhausting 60 date world tour. The lads hit the road in September 2023 with their Still… At Their Very Best Tour which took in dates across Europe and North America – and didn’t conclude until March 2024.

    Matty sparked alarm when he told fans the band intended to go on an “indefinite hiatus” upon the conclusion of the tour. He later explained: “I didn’t mean to scare any hardcore fans by insinuating that we were splitting up or anything like that. That’s not happening. Don’t worry.” Their last album, titled Being Funny in a Foreign Language, was released in October 2022.

  • How Gavin and Stacey star Laura Aikman fooled fans before comeback – NDA to hotel isolation

    How Gavin and Stacey star Laura Aikman fooled fans before comeback – NDA to hotel isolation

    Fans of the BBC’s long-running sitcom Gavin and Stacey were stunned to see Laura Aikman back in her role as Sonia for the last ever episode – and so were her family

    Gavin and Stacey star Laura Aikman’s involvement in the last ever episode was so top secret that even her own family had no idea she would be in it – and she kept it a huge secret from them for months.

    Over 12 million fans of the BBC sitcom tuned into watch the series final on Christmas Day and they were all left in disbelief when a shock twist showed James Corden’s character Smithy was preparing to marry girlfriend Sonia – played by Laura, 39.

    The last Christmas special that aired in 2019 ended with a cliffhanger proposal where Ruth Jones’s Nessa proposed to Smithy, and fans were expecting the episode to focus on their long-awaited wedding. However, in an unexpected twist Sonia was the one to be revealed as his blushing fiancée.

    During the weeks that Gavin and Stacey filmed in Essex and Wales over the summer, paparazzi shots showed the familiar cast of characters moving around for scenes – but actress Laura was nowhere to be seen on set. That’s because her involvement as Sonia was kept top secret until the episode actually aired on Christmas Day.

    Laura made a shock return as Sonia
    Laura made a shock return as Sonia 
    Image:
    BBC)

    It was so top secret that even her own family had no idea she was going to feature in the episode. Taking to social media after the episode aired, Laura shared video footage of her family reacting in shock to see her on their TV screen – and how she managed to keep the exciting news so well hidden.

    Laura posted the video to her Instagram grid alongside a caption that stated: “I take an NDA very seriously.” And she added: “The moment my family realise Sonia is ruining Christmas again…” Her family were stunned by the reveal – and one could be heard gasping: “You never told me” – with Laura replying: “We never told anyone.”

    The actress later divulged how she managed to keep her involvement in the Christmas Day finale under wraps. She revealed that the cast grid even left her out so as to avoid any spoilers being leaked.

    She shared a photograph of the order of cast with headshots of all the actors – with a huge gap where cast member number 13 was supposed to be. She then shared a screenshot of herself in the episode and wrote: “Many apologies for my behaviour.”

    Laura didn't even tell her family that she was involved in the finale
    Laura didn’t even tell her family that she was involved in the finale 
    Image:
    lauraikman/Instagram)

    The actress shared he family's reaction
    The actress shared he family’s reaction 
    Image:
    lauraikman/Instagram)
    Gavin And Stacey director Christine Gernon also took to Instagram after the finale aired to reveal the extent of the extreme measures taken to her epic return a secret.

    Sharing a photo of Laura alongside Alison Steadman, who portrays Pam in the BBC show, the director revealed that Laura was hidden away from the rest of the cast, and when they were filming, she stayed a different hotel to the rest of her co-stars in another huge attempt to keep her return a secret.

    “Laura spent the whole g&s shoot being hidden away. Staying in a different hotel, not allowed to come to wrap or screening parties so no one knew Sonia was back. Such a great reveal. And she’s amazing as both actor and person,” the director shared.

    Gavin and Stacey: The Finale drew in a whopping 12.5 million viewers to become the most watched show on Christmas Day. Now, fans are hoping that show creators James Corden and Ruth Jones will make a spin-off show.

  • Denise Welch Says ADHD Medication Made Her ‘Want a Drink and a Cigarette’ After 11 Years of Sobriety

    Denise Welch Says ADHD Medication Made Her ‘Want a Drink and a Cigarette’ After 11 Years of Sobriety

    “It was horrendous how it affected me,” the actress said, while also emphasizing that ADHD medication can be beneficial for many people

    “It was horrendous how it affected me,” the actress said, while also emphasizing that ADHD medication can be beneficial for many people

    Denise Welch attends the Rainbow Honours 2023 at Natural History Museum on May 17, 2023 in London, England.

    Denise Welch. Photo: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty

    Actress Denise Welch is detailing how her ADHD diagnosis almost led to her breaking her sobriety after more than a decade.

    The 66-year-old appeared on the Nov. 18 episode of the ADHD Chatter podcast alongside host Alex Partridge, where she opened up about receiving a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis two years ago.

    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and can result in difficulty paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviors, or being overly active, according to the CDC.

    Welch admitted that she was caught off guard by the diagnosis because she thought clinical depression was her only mental health issue. She’s struggled with post-natal depression since 1989 when her son Matty Healy was born.

    “Because depression has always been my illness… I never thought of having another thing,” she said on the show. “[Depression] was always my thing.”

    Denise Welch

    Denise Welch.ADHD Chatter Podcast/YouTube

    Welch was ultimately prescribed medication to manage her ADHD. She recalled telling her husband Lincoln Townley that she didn’t “feel the need” to take medication because she didn’t want to “change who I am.” She said he reminded her how she advocates for antidepressants when necessary and told her it was a similar situation. She agreed to try it.

    “Lincoln said to me, ‘If someone else was diagnosed with something and they were advised to take the medication, you would tell them they should,’ because I’m a huge advocate for antidepressant medication when prescribed for the right reasons.”

    The Loose Women panelist said she took the medication for the first time in January 2023 before attending one of her son’s shows. Healy is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of The 1975.

    “I honestly thought, because of the way that it had been described to me,  that my head would be clearer. I would be much more focused. I wouldn’t be trying to multitask a million things, my head wouldn’t be scrambled,” Welch explained.

    “I took the tablet and an hour later, I wanted a drink and a cigarette for the first time in 11 years,” she said. “And it was horrendous how it affected me. Had I not been so many years into and so secure and capable of managing my sobriety, it would have been a very very very dangerous tipping point for me.”

    Welch said she wished she’d known about the potential side effect. “It was really quite frightening,” she added. “I made the decision, literally the day after, to not take it. My sobriety is just too important to me to ever risk that.”

    The star noted that she concealed her craving for alcohol the entire night but her husband still noticed.

    “Lincoln, he said the next day, ‘I never want you to take that again… because your energy was like when you used to drink.’ He felt that old energy coming back,” she recalled. “His observation of me was, ‘This is scary.’”

    Despite not having a positive experience herself, Welch emphasized that medication can be extremely beneficial for many people with ADHD.

    “One of the things I am always glad of the opportunity of being able to tell people is that, ADHD medication changes so many people’s lives for the better, but there are some people it is not good for and I was absolutely one of them,” she said.

  • Outrage over Gregg Wallace was ‘fake’, says TV chef

    Outrage over Gregg Wallace was ‘fake’, says TV chef

    Andi Oliver says MasterChef host’s ‘antics’ were an ‘open secret’ and real change needs to be implemented

    Andi Oliver - Outrage over Gregg Wallace was 'fake', says TV chef Andi Oliver says she isn’t interested in ‘thousands of people shouting about Gregg Wallace on Twitter’ Credit: Getty Images/Jim Dyson

    The outrage over the Gregg Wallace sexual misconduct allegations was “fake”, Andi Oliver, a TV chef, said.

    Oliver, host of the BBC’s Great British Menu, claimed there are “tonnes of others who go around behaving badly” in the industry.

    Last month it emerged that Wallace is to step away from MasterChef while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by Banijay UK, the show’s producer.

    Oliver told the Guardian she was “not surprised” by the allegations being made about Wallace, which include making “inappropriate sexual jokes” and sexual harassment.

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    Wallace’s lawyers previously told the BBC “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.

    Oliver added: “There’s a certain culture that allows it to happen. Somebody should have nipped that s–t in the bud a long time ago. It’s not like nobody knew it was happening. I heard stuff. Everyone did. And there are tonnes of others who go around behaving badly.”

    Oliver, who was first a judge and later became the host of Great British Menu, added: “But culture will only change if we stop all the fake outrage and actually implement change.

    “Thousands of people shouting about Gregg Wallace on Twitter doesn’t interest me.

    “What does is whether we remember this in six months, or will there be more fake shock and outrage when it happens all over again with the next person whose antics were an open secret?”

    Gregg Wallace
    Gregg Wallace has stepped down from presenting MasterChef while sexual misconduct allegations are investigated  Credit: Getty Images/David M. Benett

    Oliver revealed people have been asking her if she is going to join the MasterChef team to which she replied: “I can’t talk about that.”

    It was announced earlier this month that restaurant critic Grace Dent will judge the next series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode.

    Author and podcaster Dent has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.

    BBC bosses previously said the corporation will not “tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect” and will continue to champion “a culture that is kind, inclusive and respectful”.

    A memo sent to staff by Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, and Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s chief content officer, said the corporation would be supporting MasterChef producer Banijay UK in its investigation.

    Earlier this month, Banijay UK said in a statement: “It is important to note that MasterChef welfare processes are regularly adapted and strengthened and there are clear protocols to support both crew and contributors.

    “These include multiple ways of reporting issues, including anonymously. HR contact details are promoted and contributors are assigned a point of contact on set available to discuss any issues or concerns.”

  • Gavin and Stacey extra reveals all about deleted scene that didn’t air on Christmas Day

    Gavin and Stacey extra reveals all about deleted scene that didn’t air on Christmas Day

    Gavin and Stacey supporting artiste Scott McGlynn has revealed details of a deleted scene that didn’t make the final cut of the Christmas Day finale episode

    Gavin and Stacey extra Scott McGlynn has detailed a scene that didn’t make the final cut in the show’s finale.

    The long-awaited last-ever episode aired on Christmas Day with fans breaking viewership records as they flocked to see the final instalment of the hit BBC comedy series. The actor featured in the special as part of James Corden’s character Smithy’s stag do and has been busy sharing a series of behind-the-scenes insights with his followers in recent days.

    Now he has revealed details of a deleted scene between Dawn and Chinese Alan that ended up not being featured in the finale. He said: “Alright guys so I’ve got another little insight for you here and this happened at the wedding between Dawn and Chinese which did not make the final cut and I’m gonna tell you what happened because I was right there, right behind them and I saw it all happen.”

    Gavin and Stacey
    The supporting artiste has been revealing behind-the-scenes secrets 
    Image:
    TikTok/scottmcglynnofficial)

    Gavin and Stacey
    Scott is seen in several Gavin and Stacey scenes
    Scott then explained the scene adding: “I watched it again and I thought where is this scene? It didn’t make it. But this is what happened. When Dawn and Peter arrive they go in and sit down. The boys then sit down just after them, then Chinese whispered into Dawn’s ear and said: ‘Did someone order a Chinese?’ and then she just went ‘F off.’

    “The amazing Julia Davis who plays Dawn there, she is amazing, so sweet, smiling and waving. I don’t know why that did not make the final cut because I thought it was so funny. I was behind laughing, and don’t forget they do so many takes so I was behind watching it and every time I was laughing just behind Chinese and it was so funny I wish they kept it in honestly.”

    Scott then concluded his video saying: “But, that was a deleted scene that no one would have known about unless you were there. That’s a little insight on Gavin and Stacey for you. More coming soon.” He then captioned the video writing: “Gavin and Stacey a scene that didn’t make the final cut, by me (smithy’s stag). If you have any questions comment below.”

    Scott, 37, featured in various scenes over the course of the 90 minute last ever episode – including helping show creator James’ character Smithy, celebrate his stag do. He was directed by co-creator Ruth Jones, who also plays Nessa, and seemingly found the need to keep the secrets of the last ever episode a challenge.

    Fans of the long-running BBC sitcom, which has been on the air since 2007, watched the last ever episode on Christmas Day and were left overjoyed when Nessa and Smithy finally acknowledged their love for each other and decided to get married.

  • Real reason Gavin and Stacey’s Neil The Baby sang in BBC Christmas finale revealed

    Real reason Gavin and Stacey’s Neil The Baby sang in BBC Christmas finale revealed

    Gavin and Stacey fans were left confused by one moment in the Christmas Day finale but it turns out there was a very good reason why it was included

    Gavin and Stacey fans were over the moon when the much-anticipated finale aired on Christmas Day and were treated to an unexpected moment.

    The episode, which answered many lingering questions from the previous special and saw the return of beloved characters, is sure to be remembered for years to come. After a five-year wait to find out if Smithy said ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Nessa’s proposal, the new episode focused on Smithy’s impending wedding to Sonia.

    However, viewers were left scratching their heads over one particular moment during the wedding ceremony. As the entire cast – including Gavin and Stacey, Pam and Mick, Pete and Dawn, Gwen, Brynn and Jason, and even ‘Dave Coaches’ – reunited for one last time, Oscar Hartland, who plays Neil the Baby, son of Smithy and Nessa, delivered a touching performance of The Beatles’ hit song, Blackbird.

    Gavin and Stacey star Neil The Baby
    Oscar has played Neil The Baby throughout the series 
    Image:
    BBC)
    Despite fitting perfectly into the episode, many were left wondering why it was included. But, after looking into Oscar’s past TV appearances, it was revealed that the young actor had previously competed in The Voice Kids last year and has an amazing voice. TV critic and broadcaster Scott Bryan explained earlier this week: “Baby Neil, who was actually one of the… babies in Gavin and Stacey when it first debuted, he was in The Voice, and they loved him in The Voice, so that’s why he sings in the film.”

    During his stint on the show in 2023, Oscar expressed his desire to be recognized for his talents, saying: “People know me for being Neil the Baby in Gavin and Stacey, which I absolutely love, but now I wanna be known for my music and singing.”, reports OK!. In an interview with The Sun, he discussed his experience on the competition show, stating: “It was weird being on the studio stage without the band, but I thought I’d just do what I do with the boys and hopefully get a result out of it. I went into it wanting Danny to turn, or Ronan. But it was really something.”

    Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa, offered her support in a video message, saying: “We knows what’s occurring, you’re on The Voice Kids. Don’t forget you takes after your mother when it comes to music.” She continued in character: “Go out there and you smash it kid alright? Crackin’.”

    Oscar’s character was conceived following a one night stand between Nessa and Smithy amid their tumultuous relationship. Neil appeared on screens for the first time in the finale of season two in 2008. He last made an appearance along with the rest of the cast in the 2019 Christmas special.

    Oscar was barely recognisable as he walked the red carpet at the Gavin & Stacey: The Finale screening in London in a white T-shirt, baggy jeans and a red star-patterned cardigan. Away from his role as Neil, the star has turned his attention to music. He is the guitarist and co-frontman of South Wales band Redwood City and last year he even competed on The Voice Kids as a solo artist.

  • BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay slapped with ban over ‘childish habit’

    BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay slapped with ban over ‘childish habit’

    BBC Radio 2 host Vernon Kay is presenting the National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash on ITV as 2024 comes to an end but admits that his daughters have ‘banned’ a habit of his

    Vernon Kay will be joining Fleur East to host The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash, seeing in 2025 alongside performers including Craig David, Olly Alexander, Perrie, KSI and Ella Henderson in the pre-recorded special. Vernon says viewers can expect a “mind-blowing” show – and a few surprises.

    “It’s a big celebration, a big look back, a big rewind – great music and a great atmosphere at the Ovo Arena in Wembley,” he explains. “We’ll also have Cirque du Soleil performers there, which is quite a nice twist. When you see the strength and stamina of those performers, it’s something to behold.”

    Vernon Kay is hosting The National Lottery New Year's Eve Big Bash 2024 with Fleur East
    Vernon Kay is hosting The National Lottery New Year’s Eve Big Bash 2024 with Fleur East 
    Image:
    Getty Images for The National Lo)

    After starring in panto in High Wycombe on New Year’s Eve, Vernon will be heading to his Buckinghamshire home to celebrate with his wife, Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly, their daughters Phoebe, 20, and Amber, 15, Vernon’s parents and Tess’s mum. While the presenter is used to choosing the tracks on his BBC Radio 2 show, he says it will be his girls on DJ duty at home on New Year’s Eve.

    “The music is well and truly in their control,” says Vernon. “They use my Spotify account but they control the music in our house. They like what we like though, so that’s pretty cool. My daughters have banned fireworks because I spend too much money on them,” he smiles. “I do a firework display like a child.”

    Vernon Kay is spending New Year's Eve with his family - but admits that his daughters have banned him from setting off fireworks this year
    Vernon Kay is spending New Year’s Eve with his family – but admits that his daughters have banned him from setting off fireworks this year 
    Image:
    tessdaly / Instagram)
    As for New Year’s resolutions, Vernon vows to tackle 2025 with a young mindset. “I wake up every morning and just pretend I’m 19,” he says. “I didn’t have any responsibilities when I was 19. I loved going out, I loved working – and when you wake up with that, ‘Come on, let’s do it,’ mindset, I think it suits you. My personal situation has changed with kids, but if you attack the day like you did when you were 19, you can’t go wrong.”

    Earlier this year, Vernon hinted at a potential move away from the UK, telling Annie McManus on her podcast Changes that he would love another shot at making it big in America. “Well, flippantly, I’d like another crack at America because I think I messed up. I did three network shows for America. I wouldn’t say I messed that up. I think looking back, I was inexperienced,” he said.

    He added: “I think, knowing, being more confident in myself and the way I work, I’d like another go at a game show in America. That’s a big change.”

  • Ruth Jones and James Corden tease death and fishing trip revelation in Gavin and Stacey finale

    Ruth Jones and James Corden tease death and fishing trip revelation in Gavin and Stacey finale

    Gavin and Stacey creators Ruth Jones and James Corden have answered fan questions about the last ever episode – and have not dismissed the rumour of a character getting killed

    Gavin and Stacey creators Ruth Jones and James Corden have confronted rumours a character on the beloved sitcom will be killed off in the last ever episode.

    Fans of the long-running BBC show have been tuning in since 2007 to follow the lives of the relatable cast of characters – led by titular stars Mathew Horne and Joanna Page as Gavin and Stacey Shipman. And on Christmas Day the show will reach a definitive climax with the last ever episode.

    All of the cast are set to return – with 58-year-old Ruth and 46-year-old James tipped to take on the focus of the story as the 2019 Christmas special ended with them becoming engaged and the final episode expected to feature their nuptials. However, there are also fears that one of the characters could die in a heartbreaking twist.

    Ruth and James appeared on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden on Christmas Eve where they teased details of the 2024 festive special while fielding questions from listeners. One fan calling in to the radio show asked: “Hi James and Ruth, my name is Hannah. I just wanted to ask the question, does everybody make it through the finale? I’ve heard rumours of a funeral. What is going on?”

    Gavin and Stacey creators Ruth Jones and James Corden have teased details of the last ever episode
    James previously fuelled rumours a Gavin and Stacey character will be killed off 
    Image:
    Heart FM)

    Ruth Jones and James Corden in 2010
    The hit sitcom has been on the air since 2007 
    Image:
    PA)

    Ruth replied: “The thing is, Hannah, I think it would spoil it for you if we told you what’s actually going to happen. I think you’re just going to have to go with the flow and ride those emotions.” While another asked if viewers will finally learn of what happened on the fabled fishing trip between Rob Brydon’s character Uncle Bryn and Robert Wilfort’s character Jason West. But Ruth only teased: “All we can say is it is not illegal in this country.”

    Rumours of a character death were spun by Corden himself when he said earlier this year: “What we were editing today was a very moving and emotional scene at Bryn’s funeral. I’m joking, I promise. Or am I?” While cast of the show have promised fans that the last ever episode will be full of emotional scenes.

    Mathew revealed earlier this month: “I want to say I was nervous about reading the script as it’s always been Ruth’s (Jones) and James’s (Corden) priority to get the script perfect in the first instance, to tell a story the right way. And I had no evidence to suggest that this final script wouldn’t adhere to those principles and be anything other than brilliant. I did have a nervous compulsion to read it immediately and my expectations were exceeded. It made me laugh, it made me cry and upon completion, I thought it was nothing short of a masterpiece.

    “Not just in terms of an episode of Gavin And Stacey, but frankly any script I’ve ever read. I immediately took to our WhatsApp group to say as much. The nerves started upon finishing reading the script in as much as I hoped we could all meet the quality of the script upon shooting it. It hasn’t disappointed.”

  • BBC Strictly Craig Revel Horwood backs Giovanni Pernice ‘as only six complaints upheld’

    BBC Strictly Craig Revel Horwood backs Giovanni Pernice ‘as only six complaints upheld’

    Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood opens up about the report that upheld six complaints against Giovanni Pernice in the aftermath of the Amanda Abbington bullying scandal

    Judge Craig Revel Horwood has backed Giovanni Pernice in the Strictly sleaze row.

    Gio was accused of bullying his partner Amanda Abbington. An internal BBC investigation upheld six of 17 complaints against him but not those of physical aggression.

    The Italian professional, 34, later insisted he was a “strict teacher” but was never a bully to the Sherlock star, 50.

    And Craig says: “It says a lot that only six minor complaints out of the 17 were upheld in the BBC’s investigation. So, I feel now we can move forward with a fresh approach.”

    He also added to Saga: “The good thing to come out of a difficult situation was the introduction of chaperones to Strictly. It’s great that now professionals and celebrities have someone to go to for advice and to resolve issues and conflicts before they become a problem.Striving for gold is never easy but gold is what competitors want, don’t they? At the same time, Strictly’s not the Olympics. It’s a dance show and it’s entertainment. We shouldn’t forget that.”

    Craig Revel Horwood
    Craig Revel Horwood speaks his mind on Giovanni Pernice 
    Image:
    DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK)
    Pernice has previously denied being a bully. He said after the findings of the report: ““Bully is a big word and there’s a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do.

    “I’m glad 11 allegations have been thrown out. At the beginning there were very serious allegations, for instance threatening her or abusing her, and all of this has been taken out.

    “I’m a strict teacher. I said it myself. I care about my job. I’m very competitive.

    Craig also said it was going to be a double celebration when he celebrates his 60th birthday next year – as his mum has beaten cancer for the second time. He said: “My mum recently came through six months of chemo. She beat cancer the first time ten years ago, and she’s been given the all-clear again. She’s in very high spirits about that fact, as we all are.”