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Rita Ora And Her ‘Dusty Apple’ Just Served Up A Piece Of Breakfast TV Gold

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Rita Ora served up some hilarity as part of The Big Breakfast during a memorable appearance on the revived Channel 4 series on Saturday.

The singer and her “dusty apple” joined in the fun via video link from the US as Mo Gilligan and AJ Odudu fronted a new run of the classic 90s morning show.

There was some confusion during her interview, however, when Rita was distracted by something in her fruit bowl.

Picking up a piece of fruit and holding it to the camera, Rita said: “Look at this dusty apple! Can you see it?

“I don’t even think it’s an apple. I think it’s like a shrivelled pear,” she speculated.

“Rita, I’m sorry to break it to you,” AJ interjected, “but that’s a peach, not an apple.”

Laughter erupted in the studio, as Rita could then be seen looking rather confused down the line.

“Is it?!” she said. “Do you know what, it’s 3am guys, give me a break!”

Needless to say the hilarious moment didn’t go unnoticed online…

The Big Breakfast airs Saturday at 10am on Channel 4.

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Helen Skelton Completes The Strictly Come Dancing 2022 Line-Up

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Helen Skelton
Helen Skelton

Peter Byrne – PA Images via Getty Images

The former Blue Peter presenter is the final contestant to be confirmed for the new series of the BBC ballroom show, which returns next month.

The news was announced on Claudia Winkleman’s Radio 2 show on Saturday morning.

Helen said in a statement: “I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.”

Helen began her broadcasting career hosting Blue Peter between 2008 and 2013, and is a regular face on Countryfile and BBC Sports coverage.

She was also recently confirmed as the new host of Radio 5 Live’s Sunday morning slot, after Laura Whitmore announced her departure.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One next month.

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Lisa Kudrow Says Jerry Seinfeld Took Some Credit For The Success Of Friends

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Jerry Seinfeld was all too happy to take some credit for the success of Friends, according to an anecdote from Lisa Kudrow. Luckily, she seems to agree with the comedian.

Lisa opened up about sharing time with the other iconic series of the ’90s, and told The Daily Beast in an interview that she didn’t feel competitive “at all” with Seinfeld. In fact, she explained how the series actually helped boost ratings and contribute to the incredible success of Friends.

“Not to take anything away from the writing on Friends, or the cast, or how good Friends really was, but the first season our ratings were just fine,” Lisa said.

“We held onto enough of [sitcom] Mad About You and starting building, but it was in the summer when we were in reruns after Seinfeld, where Seinfeld was our lead-in, where we exploded,” she added, before recalling an anecdote that screams Seinfeld.

Jerry Seinfeld (left) once told Lisa Kudrow "You're welcome" for the success of Friends.
Jerry Seinfeld (left) once told Lisa Kudrow “You’re welcome” for the success of Friends.

“I remember going to some party and Jerry Seinfeld was there, and I said, ‘Hi,’ and he said, ‘You’re welcome,’” Lisa said. “I said, ‘Why, thank you … what?’” And he said, ‘You’re on after us in the summer, and you’re welcome.’ And I said, ‘That’s exactly right. Thank you.’”

But unlike Friends, which scored big with its reunion in 2021, Seinfeld is still holding off on getting the cast together – for now.

“It would seem sad to me,” Jerry said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2021. “It would seem like we couldn’t think of a new idea.”

When the interviewer at the time suggested the Seinfeld cast and crew could put together something like Friends did for their reunion special, the comedian joked: “I don’t think you win Emmys for that stuff.”

The reunion did, however, get four Emmy nominations.

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John Whaite Shares Emotional Post As Strictly Come Dancing Announces Next Same-Sex Pairing

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John Whaite has shown his support for Richie Anderson following the news that Strictly Come Dancing will include a third same-sex partnership in this year’s series.

After Nicola Adams and Katya Jones competed together in 2020, John was part of Strictly’s first ever pairing made up of two men during last year’s run, alongside Johannes Radebe.

The Great British Bake Off winner proved popular with viewers, making it all the way to the final where he and Johannes finished in second place behind champions Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.

After the announcement that Radio 2 presenter Richie will also dance with a male professional on this year’s series, John shared a poignant statement on his Instagram story on Saturday morning.

John and Johannes dancing during last year's Strictly final
John and Johannes dancing during last year’s Strictly final

Guy Levy/BBC via PA Media

“I’m so bloody pleased that Strictly are doing a male-male couple again this year and hope it is the case every year from now on,” John wrote.

“It has to be. Because queer-inclusion isn’t a box-ticking exercise for one series, it’s a fundamental shift in the narrative for life.”

John went on thank Strictly’s behind-the-scenes team for “continuing to include the outcasts” before wishing “all the love and luck” to Richie who he said was “going to love every second”.

A screenshot of John's Instagram post
A screenshot of John’s Instagram post

Instagram/John Whaite

Apparently, John’s former professional partner Johannes was also feeling nostalgic at the weekend, writing on his own Instagram: “Now that Strictly rehearsals have started, I’ve been thinking back to last year when I had the pleasure of meeting [John].

“I can’t believe it’s been a year since John came into my life and what a fabulous and truly special Strictly journey we had. There were moments during the show which took my breath away, including the overwhelming support we received. I can’t thank everybody enough for the kind comments and for taking the time to vote. It means so so much.

“Not only is John an amazing dancer, he is an incredible friend and I can’t imagine a life without him in it.”

He added: “Although my strictly journey with John has come to a close, I’m feeling the energy and magic of the show again and I am looking forward to the next Strictly chapter and the excitement and challenges this will bring. I cannot wait, let the adventure begin!”

John then commented: “You bugger – you’ve made me cry into my avocado on toast… love you.”

Richie also wrote under the post: “Icons.”

Strictly will return to our screens next month, with bosses already unveiling five of the celebrities who’ll be taking part.

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Strictly Come Dancing 2022 Line-Up: All The Celebrities Announced So Far

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The Strictly Come Dancing celebrity reveals are now coming in thick and fast as we gear up for the show’s return to our screens next month.

If you’re struggling to keep up with all the individual announcements about who will be taking to the floor this year, we’ve got you covered.

Get to know all of the confirmed stars so far below…

Will Mellor
Will Mellor

Actor Will is known for starring roles in Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager And A Packet of Crisps, Line Of Duty and Broadchurch. Most recently he appeared in Coronation Street as Harvey Gaskell.

He says: “I’m honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year! Not going to lie, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about.

“This is also my mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!”

Kym Marsh

Kym is perhaps best known for her role of Michelle Connor in Coronation Street, which she appeared in from 2006 to 2019.

She shot to fame in the band Hear’Say, which was formed on the reality show Popstars in 2000, and is currently a presenter on BBC One’s Morning Live.

She says: “I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I’m so delighted that this year they have!

“I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!”

Richie Anderson
Richie Anderson

Radio 2 listeners will recognise Richie for his well-established role on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, presenting the travel bulletins. He is also a regular on The One Show and hosted parts of the Platinum Jubilee coverage for the BBC.

He says: “This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.

“I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand.

“It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”

Kaye Adams
Kaye Adams

Kaye has been a regular anchor and panellist on ITV’s Loose Women on-and-off since its inception in 1999. She also hosts the morning show on BBC Radio Scotland.

She says: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!”

Jayde Adams
Jayde Adams

Best known as an award-winning stand-up comedian, Jayde also has acting credits in Good Omens, Alma’s Not Normal and the upcoming Take That film Greatest Days.

She’s also a self-professed Strictly superfan, admitting: “Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I’ve taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly.

“I’ve always watched it,” she adds. “Apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly).”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in the autumn.

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Sadie Sink Recalls How She Almost Lost The Role Of Max On Stranger Things

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Sadie Sink has won near-universal praise for her portrayal of Max Mayfield on Stranger Things, but the show’s creative team apparently had a surprising reservation about her at first.

Speaking to Fashion magazine, the actor opened up about her audition process for the second season of the smash Netflix series.

In the interview, she revealed that casting directors initially told her she was too “old” for the part – even though she was only 14 at the time.

Still, Sadie wasn’t easily deterred, noting that the role of Max felt “right” to her.

“I just begged and pleaded with them to give me more material so I could show them something fresh,” she said.

Eventually, the producers opted to call her in for a chemistry read with fellow actors Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin, who play Dustin Henderson and Lucas Sinclair on the show, respectively.

The following day, the part was hers.

“Honestly, my life has felt a bit like a coming-of-age movie,” Sadie Sink said.
“Honestly, my life has felt a bit like a coming-of-age movie,” Sadie Sink said.

Kevin Winter via Getty Images

Now 20, Sadie was hardly an acting novice at the time of her Stranger Things audition.

She made her Broadway debut in the 2012 production of Annie, and successfully made the leap to TV the following year with a guest role on the FX series The Americans.

In 2021, she joined the horror film franchise Fear Street as Ziggy Berman. This fall, she’ll be seen opposite Brendan Fraser in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale.

Elsewhere in her Fashion interview, Sadie reflected on the unexpected challenges of having spent the bulk of her teen years in the spotlight.

“It’s such a weird and specific situation that the Stranger Things cast and I are all in because the world knows who our characters are but we’re still trying to figure out who we are as people,” she explained. “I think being in the industry accelerates you and you mature faster. But for the most part, it’s just so fun because the cast is all going through it together.”

She then noted: “Honestly, my life has felt a bit like a coming-of-age movie.”

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Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn Detained By Customs Agent Demanding Season 5 Return

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Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn just made his talk show debut — and almost didn’t make it.

The British actor appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon for the first time on Monday to reveal he was detained at immigration on his arrival in the US a day earlier.

Fortunately for Joseph, his Stranger Things character of Eddie Munson is universally adored — even by customs officials.

“I was taken into, I guess what you could call it, was more of a dungeon,” he told the host. “And I was asked to wait there for about 20 minutes and then I was summoned to this desk where someone asked me, ‘What are you doing in the United States, Sir?’”

While fans love Josephs portrayal of metalhead slacker Eddie Munson, the character was only introduced in the fourth season and may be hard to identify without his torn jeans and long trademark hair.

“Well I’m actually here to meet Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show,” Joseph said he replied. “And he didn’t believe me. And one of his colleagues looked over at me, looked at him, and said: ‘Leave Eddie alone.’”

The first agent, realising who he’d been interrogating, then asked Jospeh the one question Stranger Things fans have been clamouring for: “Do you come back next season?”

Joseph himself claimed to have no idea whether Eddie would return and said he told the agent as much. He was ultimately given a stern warning before having his passport returned: “You better.”

In his conversation with Jimmy, Joseph expounded further on the beauty of the Stranger Things fandom. He said he was moved by how strongly fans at Comic-Con identify with his character.

“I think it’s probably the fact that he’s an outsider, a little bit kind of on the fringes of society,” he said. “It’s so moving to see how much he means to people.”

Joseph read one of Munson’s monologues, switching accents from Scotland, Liverpool, Australia, New York City and Wales from one line to the next.

Jimmy reminded Joseph that his rendition of Metallica’s Master of Puppets during a vital Stranger Things scene landed the song on the US Billboard charts for the first time in decades. Joseph joked that he didn’t share any royalties, but did get a shoutout from his acting idol Jack Black.

The actor he has “worshipped” Black since School Of Rock was released in 2003. A heavy metal fan himself, Jack spoke on the red carpet for Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight about binge-watching Stranger Things with his son — and falling for Eddie Munson.

“It was pretty epic,” said Jack. “I was geeking out pretty hard. And then I was like, ‘Why did you kill the heavy metal guy? He was the best character!’”

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Game Of Thrones Writer George RR Martin Slams ‘Toxic’ Fans Over Backlash To Finale

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George RR Martin has slammed “toxic” Game Of Thrones fans over the backlash to the series finale.

The hugely successful fantasy series concluded in 2019. However, the finale wasn’t a hit with everyone, with several fan petitions circulating online demanding for season eight to be remade.

One saw more than 1.8million fans signing it.

Speaking about the backlash ahead of the release of the upcoming Game Of Thrones prequel House Of The Dragon, set 300 years before the hit fantasy series, the author blasted the response of some fans.

George RR. Martin
George RR. Martin

MARK RALSTON via Getty Images

“The fucking toxic internet and these podcasts out there saying that season eight left such a bad impression that people say, “Oh, I’m never going to watch them again’,” he told The Hollywood Reporter: “I don’t trust them anymore.”

HBO Max content chief Casey Bloys added: “It was a social media backlash.

“I think in multiple parts of our society, we are reminding ourselves that Twitter is not real life.

“We knew it was going to be divisive and, of course, you want all fans to be happy, but that’s never going to happen.

“There weren’t a lot of people walking around despondent or upset. It’s a take that reads well but probably doesn’t fully reflect viewer feelings.”

Earlier this week the first full length trailer debuted for House Of The Dragon, which is adapted from George’s book Fire And Blood.

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Writing on his website, he said: “I’ve seen a rough cut of the first episode. And loved it. It’s dark, it’s powerful, it’s visceral… just the way I like my epic fantasy.”

He also praised showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sopochnik for doing an “amazing job”.

“Just as with Game of Thrones, most viewers will only have heard of a few of the actors, but I think you are going to fall in love with a lot of them. (Only to have your heart broken later when… but no, that would be telling).

“I think the Targaryens are in very good hands. Anticipate away. I do not think you will be disappointed.”

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