Fri. Sep 20th, 2024
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LOUIS THEROUX is making a star-studded documentary looking at the rise and fall of boy bands.

The three-parter from his Mindhouse production company will air on the BBC this year and delve into the many controversies that surrounded the ­phenomenon.

Louis Theroux is making a star-studded documentary5

Louis Theroux is making a star-studded documentaryCredit: Getty
The series will look at the rise and fall of boy bands, pictured One Direction in 2010

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The series will look at the rise and fall of boy bands, pictured One Direction in 2010Credit: Paul Edwards – The Sun

Producers have already contacted Coree Richards, the hellraiser ousted from Damage, the R&B group that included Jade Jones who went on to marry Spice Girl Emma Bunton.

They’ve also been in touch with former EastEnder Danniella Westbrook who dated Brain Harvey, the troubled lead singer of EAST 17.

A TV insider said: “It’s obvious Louis and his team intend to delve into the dark underbelly of bubblegum pop.

“They will focus­ on the golden era of boy bands in the Nineties and early Noughties.

“But given the thorny topics his production company has already tackled it was never going to be a gentle, nostalgic wander.”

Its shows have looked at the darker side of snooker and tennis and probed the Columbia space shuttle and ­Lockerbie disasters.

So approaching the lives of popstars ranging from Take That and 5IVE to Boyzone and Westlife should be a walk in the park.

But given the volume of sensational stories involving drink, drugs, bust-ups and exploitation, the production team’s greatest challenge is likely to be fitting it all into three episodes.

There are clues as to who else might feature — on Instagram Louis follows Simon Webbe from Blue, Robbie Williams and East 17’s Brian

Surely Louis will have to do a sequel on girl groups?

Stormzy fans stunned as they spot unlikely celeb in crowd at Glasgow gig

Double trouble for Luke

TEENAGE darts sensation Luke Littler is used to taking on doubles – so starring with Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan should be a piece of cake.

He will be one of the guests as their hit show Rob & Romesh Vs returns for a new series on Sky Max.

Luke Littler will be one of the guests as the hit show Rob & Romesh Vs returns

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Luke Littler will be one of the guests as the hit show Rob & Romesh Vs returnsCredit: PA

Rob said: “Working with Luke Littler, he’s a great guy – he’s my favourite teenager.”

Romesh added: “Of all the 17-year-olds we were looking at to chat to, he was like number four, but we’re looking forward to it.”

The duo will also work alongside Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in the world of Hollywood stunts, travel to Las Vegas for an UFC stint and perform at the Download Festival in Leicestershire as they tackle heavy metal music.

They will also compete in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest.

‘Tis the season

THE Office star Steve Carell will join Tina Fey in a new Netflix comedy.

The Four Seasons is based on the 1981 film of the same name and tells the story of three couples who holiday to­ge­ther every year.

Tina’s 30 Rock co-stars Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield are co-creators.

Joe off on Brum jaunt

JOE LYCETT is hoping to give his home town a boost by heading to places that share its name.

The proud Brummie will travel across the pond to visit places named Birmingham for a new series.

Joe Lycett will travel across the pond to visit places named Birmingham for a new series

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Joe Lycett will travel across the pond to visit places named Birmingham for a new seriesCredit: Alamy

There are 18 such places in the continent of North America, with the most in Canada’s Saskatchewan province.

Joe will explore the history of each town and form “friendship agreements” with their residents.

Then he plans to bring his new overseas pals together for an International Day of Birmingham.

Joe Lycett’s United States Of Birmingham will air on Sky Max.

The comedian is already a self-appointed city ambassador for his home town, with the blessing of its Lord Mayor.

Joe joked: “I am delighted to be making this show for Sky which will finally secure me enough money to move to London.”

Bang for your buck

BANGERS and Cash: Restoring Classics will return for its fourth season next month.

The series follows the renovation of vehicles bought at ­family-run auctioneers Mathewsons.

Once the vehicles are restored, they are reauctioned.

It starts on May 16 on Yesterday and UKTV Play at 8pm.

Footie’s Georgia on bawl

IF you saw someone sobbing on a dating show, you might think it was all going wrong.

But for I Kissed A Girl participant Georgia Robert, it meant things were going right.

Georgia Robert had emotions running high just days into the BBC Three’s new lesbian dating show

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Georgia Robert had emotions running high just days into the BBC Three’s new lesbian dating showCredit: BBC

The professional footballer has emotions running high just days into BBC Three’s new lesbian dating show.

She opens up about her sexuality, and suffering nasty comments at school.

Then, as fellow singletons rally round her, Georgia is moved to tears.

Ahead of episode one on Sunday May 5, she says: “My goal was not to cry on TV, and I think I made it to day two.

“It’s amazing there’s finally a show like this out there. I’m just so glad I got to be a part of it.”

Georgia is one of the show’s ten single women who are ­matched with each other.

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