SHOW BIZ

Virgin River star Tim Matheson teased the upcoming eighth season of the Netflix show and the fallout from Doc’s decision to partner with Grace Valley

Warning – this article contains spoilers for Virgin River season 7.

Virgin River’s Tim Matheson has teased a turbulent path ahead for Vernon ‘Doc’ Mullins and his wife, Mayor Hope McCrea (portrayed by Annette O’Toole ) in the Netflix drama’s forthcoming eighth season.

The series made its comeback for its seventh run last Thursday (12th March), witnessing Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan’s (Martin Henderson) honeymoon period disrupted by fresh obstacles.

After Charmaine’s (Lauren Hammersley) abrupt vanishing, the pair encountered a difficult predicament when Marley (Rachel Drance) presented them with a chance to adopt her infant, before the baby’s father unexpectedly returned.

Simultaneously, Mel’s boss Doc carried on battling the medical board following the revocation of his licence for a dangerous yet life-preserving procedure, whilst competing hospital Grace Valley encroaches on his patch, reports the Express.

The season finale delivered a shock revelation, though, as Doc started contemplating a collaboration with Grace Valley despite his conflict with Dr Hayes (Kaj-Erik Eriksen), a move that enrages Hope.

In an exclusive conversation with Reach, Matheson verified that Virgin River’s confirmed eighth season will address the aftermath of their row directly from the outset.

“Well, it focuses a great deal on [that challenge] in season eight,” he revealed. “Like in any relationship there are changes and bumps and adjustments that need to be made. So, that continues on and it’s all about people finding their true path in life. And we all know that changes from day to day.

“So, things get a little bumpy, perhaps. I’ve only seen the first two episodes in script form, but… strap on your seatbelt. It’s going to be a wild ride.”

Production for series eight is set to commence in April, meaning viewers potentially won’t have long to wait before fresh information about the next instalment begins to emerge.

The forthcoming chapter will probably see Doc legally practising medicine once more but, following the strain of defending his licence and the prospect of Grace Valley taking control, could retirement be a possibility?

Matheson was swift to dismiss this theory, stating: “I don’t see that right now, no.

“Basically, he just keeps adjusting and in season seven, he actually came to a conclusion which threatened his relationship with Hope, that it’s better for his patients to try and adjust to more modern ways to help the patients by partnering with Grace Valley hospital.

“And using some of their improved equipment in the clinic and providing more immediate service to the patients, maybe through an ambulance and more modern care. And more money because a hospital can provide more modern equipment.

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“So I think he’s going to try that and see how that works, because really his goal is to be of service to the patient and whatever’s better for the patient is worth trying. And that may or may not have a deleterious effect on his relationships, and people have strong feelings one way or the other about bringing in an outside medical facility to help the clinic.

“He has mixed feelings about it, so that’s the thing that he’s going to be weighing throughout season eight.”

Will Doc and Hayes’ partnership prove harmonious or will Virgin River’s steadfast physician live to rue his choice? Keep watching for more small town drama arriving shortly.

Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

THEY have amassed a legion of teen followers after becoming the next big boyband.

But it seems December 10 have also managed to make a fan out of Spice Girl Geri Halliwel.

This week, Biz on Sunday’s Emily caught up with the lads — Cruz, Danny, Hendrick, Sean, John, Josh and Nicolas — following the release of their latest single, Angel.

They revealed they were starstruck when Ginger Spice popped into their rehearsal at a West London studio last month, accompanied by her husband Christian Horner’s daughter.

Asked about their celebrity fans, Danny said: “The legend that is Geri Halliwell and her step-daughter came to the rehearsal studio to watch our set. They had wanted to come to our London show, but were due to be away when it was on, so we invited them to our rehearsals.

“Geri was like a pocket rocket. Petite and loads of personality.

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“We couldn’t believe we met a Spice Girl!

“She gave excellent advice, including to always enjoy the moment.

“Geri was super kind and gave us all a bag of gifts, including little speakers we always use on our phones.”

Sean said: “She showed up to rehearsals before the show and gave us advice. She’s really cool.”

Hendrik added: “The advice that she gave was, ‘That laugh that you have in your band as a group — try and keep that laugh and enjoy it’.

“That was the main advice that came across.”

December 10 found fame on Simon Cowell’s Netflix show The Next Act last year and have amassed millions of followers on social media.

Last month, they attended their first Brit Awards, in Manchester, and have told how they brushed shoulders with singers Lola Young and Sam Fender, as well as Happy Mondays maracas player Bez.

Cruz said: “I was partying with Bez in the DJ booth — he is funny. He and I have got to go to Ibiza one day.”

To celebrate Mother’s Day, the boys have been treating their mums after receiving their first big pay cheque.

Hendrik said: “I have been saving money to try and finish my mum and dad’s house. They have been wanting to finish it for years.”

Despite the global stardom that awaits, it sounds like the boys are keeping their feet on the ground.

SIMON ‘PROUD’ OF LADS

DECEMBER 10 have revealed how their mentor Simon Cowell was proud of them after their sold-out London show.

The music mogul and his fiancee Lauren Silverman attended their gig at the O2 Academy Islington, in North London, last month.

Band member Nicolas said: “He really enjoyed that we incorporated instruments into the live show, and when he spoke to us, that was one of the main things that made him really happy and proud.”

John added: “He has also always said that he just wants great songs. Over the past few months that we have been recording music, we have been working towards that.”

And the boys reckon it still feels surreal seeing thousands of teenagers queuing to hear them play.

Nicolas said: “I wouldn’t say it’s overwhelming, it’s more of a strange feeling, because the first show was a bit of a shock.

“It is a feeling for me, personally, that I don’t think I will get used to.”

WIN A SIGNED T-SHIRT

DECEMBER 10 have signed a T-shirt exclusively for one lucky Biz on Sunday reader.

For your chance to win the prize, email sunday features @the-sun. co.uk by March 26.

For T&Cs, visit thesun.co.uk.

HE HAZ TO SEE MATES

HE is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, but Harry Styles says he had to change his mindset so he did not become a recluse.

He explained: “When you shut out a lot of the things that are assumed can be negative, you also just unconsciously shut out a ton of positive things.

“It can be hard to go to a bar and hang out with friends because there’s maybe people who would act [in a certain] way.

“There’s also incredible people that you can meet in that bar – that you also shut yourself off from.”

He added on SiriusXM: “I was having some experiences where I was meeting some really great people that were kind of really planting the seed of, like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to shut myself off from this world’.”

It comes as his record Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally has topped the albums chart, while his track American Girls is No1 in the singles rundown.

Meanwhile, Harry’s singles Aperture and Ready, Steady, Go! are also top five.

It is truly Harry’s year.

DENISE GOES BIG

DENISE VAN OUTEN and Johnny Vaughan are creating a new Big Breakfast-style TV show 25 years after the original was axed.

I can reveal the pair, who presented the Channel 4 show in the Nineties, are working on a new format set to shake up TV schedules.

Denise said: “In my new touring show [An Evening With Denise], of all the things I’ve done, The Big Breakfast section gets the biggest reaction. I think people are still craving that chaos and the fun – we’ve lost it.”

She added: “I’m working on something with Johnny, it’s going to have that feel to it. It’s all come from the show and speaking to people. I was like, ‘Oh, people are missing this, they want this’.”

I cannot wait.

YOU’RE SO ROUGE, CHRISTINA

CHRISTINA AGUILERA was red hot on stage in this basque and matching gloves.

The US hitmaker teamed them with thigh-skimming black boots in Austin, Texas, as she headlined the Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds Music Festival.

Highlights included a performance of her 2001 hit Lady Marmalade, from film Moulin Rouge!, as fireworks lit up the sky.

MAYA’S VILLA TO VILLAIN

MAYA JAMA has revealed what her dream movie role would be – and it’s not what you might expect.

The Love Island host, who is set to star in the second series of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix crime-comedy The Gentlemen, said: “I’ve always said I don’t want to be what people expect me to be on camera.

“I’d want to be the complete opposite to that . . . so a monster or a mean, evil person. A villain maybe would be nice.”

DIVORCE NO2 FOR MILLIE

MADE In Chelsea couple Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor have filed for divorce, I can reveal.

The pair, who married in 2018, have both appointed legal teams and have quietly started proceedings.

Reality star turned author Millie, who has two daughters with entrepreneur Hugo, has been through the process before, having split from rapper Professor Green, who she was married to from 2013 to 2016.

A pal said: “Fans will be sad to hear that their relationship is really over, but the pair just want a clean break.

“Millie and Hugo are committed to co-parenting their two young children and keeping everything stable. They are still very amicable with each other and have a lot of respect for one another.

“They want the divorce to go through as painlessly as possible and are focusing on work in the meantime.”

Professor Green has a son with model and actress Karima McAdams, who he dated for five years after splitting with Millie.

Now, he is back in touch with Millie and said: “There’s no resentment in me. She is gorgeous. We were not good for each other at that time.

“We spoke about our mutual diagnosis (ADHD) and our kids.”

MOLLY AND TOM IN SPANISH LOVE AISLE

THEY met on Love Island: All Stars in South Africa, but Molly Smith and Tom Clare are set to tie the knot in Majorca – home of the original dating show’s villa.

The couple are eyeing up Son Marroig, a stunning, 17th century, clifftop temple on the Spanish island for their summer nuptials.

The venue is popular among celebrities, with Pixie Geldof, weatherman Alex Beresford and Man City defender Nathan Ake all having held their ceremonies there.

A source said: “Majorca is a stunning destination for a wedding and there is plenty of privacy on the island. Many of the buildings are difficult to access by road and it has a secluded feel.

“There is guaranteed sun and it offers a beautiful backdrop with the most stunning sunsets.”

Tom and Molly do a weekly podcast called NearlyWeds and post regular vlogs about their planning.

Congrats guys . . . 

EX-PM SNAPS GEM OF A SHOT

GEMMA COLLINS posed with an unlikely fan at the Cheltenham races this week – as I am told that former PM David Cameron asked for a photo.

And reality favourite Gemma was only too happy to oblige David and wife Samantha in the Royal Box.

A source said: “Gemma was honoured that David asked her for a picture. They chatted about politics and her fondness of current Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.”

Chuffed Gemma quickly shared the snap with her 2.2million Instagram followers.

She wrote: “It was lovely to be in the Royal Box and have a good chat with David Cameron and his lovely wife. We spoke politics and . . . what we were going to bet on next.”

Gemma, who is a face of bookmaker Paddy Power, won a mighty impressive £20,000 at Cheltenham – and £5,000 off just one bet.

The GC was spotted shouting, “I’m loaded” as she basked in her glory alongside stars including Danny Dyer and Peter Crouch.

Next year, I am asking Gemma for tips.

Five teams will compete in the new series of the BBC travel show, racing from Europe to Mongolia

The upcoming Race Across the World contestants are shown battling through thick snow in an early look at the new series.

The much-loved BBC programme – which features teams racing vast distances on limited budgets, without phones and banned from flying – is back for a sixth series, and the broadcaster has released a short preview in a teaser trailer, reports Wales Online.

Whilst the departure point hasn’t been revealed yet, this season the participants will face the challenge of travelling from Europe “to the uncharted edges of Mongolia”. Footage in the trailer captures the racers riding horses, navigating major cities, leaping from boats and attempting to hitch lifts.

“The further they go, the closer they’ll get,” flashes across the screen, as one of this year’s participants is heard saying: “This race, it’s a lifetime of exploring in such a short amount of time.

“It’s going to open up a lot of doors not many people have the privilege to unlock.”

Another contestant is then heard exclaiming: “This is an adventure.”

The BBC teased: “In this vast east-to-west journey, five pairs race from the familiarities of Europe all the way to the uncharted edges of Mongolia in Race Across the World series six.

“These teams must forge their own path… But on this journey of extremes, who will finish first? No flights. No phones. No safety net… Let the race begin!”

Fans have declared they “can’t wait” following the series preview, with one posting on Instagram: “So excited for this.”

“OMG…. Can’t wait for this one!!!” gushed one person, whilst another fan declared: “My favourite programme.”

“Yippee!” enthused another viewer, as somebody else wrote: “Yesssssss!! Cannot wait – best programme!!”

Last year’s series of Race Across the World saw the teams departing from The Great Wall of China before journeying across China, Nepal and India to reach the finishing point of Kanniyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.

It was claimed by mother and son pairing Caroline and Tom, who secured the £20,000 prize after becoming the first duo to arrive at the final checkpoint.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

Race Across the World airs on the BBC.

LORNA Luxe has been seen out for the first time since her husband John’s death – joining race-goers at Cheltenham Festival this week.

The fashion influencer, 43, was seen out on Friday for the Gold Cup and was quids in after backing a horse in John’s memory.

John, 64, died in February following a lengthy illness, but sent a “sign” to Lorna who won £250 after backing a horse with long odds.

Johnny’s Jury was priced between 25/1 to 33/1 with bookmakers like Betfair before jockey Gavin Sheehan took him from last to first to win the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Lorna said in a video message to fans: “It’s been raining all week, but the weather was perfect with blue skies.

“I started betting on the horses but didn’t get any winners at all.

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“I bumped into Amanda Wakely, whose dress I wore for my wedding to John, and we went to the betting box.

“She said ‘look, one of the horses is called Johnny’s Jury, shall we have a go?’

“It was a bit of an outsider but I put £20 each way – and it won.

“It flipping won. I’m absolutely buzzing. I had all this cash.

“It was just, so John.”

Lorna’s voice cracked as her eyes filled with tears.

She added: “It really made me smile. It was just a brilliant moment.

“I was really teary to be honest. I’m teary now just thinking about it.

“Even though he wasn’t there with me, it felt like he was there in spirit.”

Lorna was dressed in Holland Cooper, the official luxury fashion partner of The Jockey Club, to enjoy a day at the races.

The brand’s founder – Jade Holland Cooper – described Lorna as “the strongest woman I know”.

Lorna’s late husband John was initially diagnosed with stage three cancer, but it developed to stage four while he was undergoing treatment.

Lorna kept her followers updated throughout his journey, and they supported her when he went into remission in November 2023.

But his cancer returned in May 2024, spreading to his brain.

Tragically, just before Christmas, he was rushed back to hospital with organ failure, following a complication with his chemotherapy treatment.

Lorna was advised to prepare for the worst but John defied the odds and was able to recover and spend Christmas at home, before passing away two months later.

SHE is an Oscar-winner married to a former James Bond, but Rachel Weisz says Hollywood made her feel so ugly she considered having plastic surgery.

When the British beauty first went there in the Nineties, she contemplated a nose job, boob job or liposuction to get noticed and boost her career.

Rachel, now 56 and one of the world’s most sought-after stars, said: “I went into quite a major depression.

“I was watching so many daytime TV shows. And then I would get in my car and drive to these auditions while listening to the radio.

“I feel sick now when I listen to the radio, all these commercials for different car dealers.

“I just felt like the world was so desperate and lonely and sad and people were trying to sell cars and no one wanted to buy them.

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“People are very focused on their own thing. In LA unless you’ve just won an Oscar or you’re ‘Mr Studio Head’, no one talks to you. Even at parties. I was at this big Hollywood party, and no one looked.

“Everyone is blinkered and they just kind of scan the room for ­anyone important. LA makes you feel ugly. Because if you’re an actress, no one pays you any attention.

“And you immediately start thinking, ‘God, I must have a nose job. Or, I must get that boob job, or I must get that lipo’, whatever it is.”

For Rachel, who started her career with bit-parts on Inspector Morse and whose new thriller Vladimir was released on Netflix on March 5, real success and happiness came when she turned her back on the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.

She decided to split her time between London, where she grew up, and New York with her then-partner, director Darren Aronofsky, and their son Henry, now 19.

Rachel, who has been married to 007 actor Daniel Craig since 2011, told Index mag: “There’s not much room for eccentricity in Hollywood, and eccentricity is what’s sexy in people.

“I think London’s sexy because it’s so full of eccentrics.”

The actress’s breakthrough came in 1999 when she landed the role of feisty librarian Evelyn Carnahan in blockbuster The Mummy.

By 2006 her A-list status was cemented when she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for The Constant Gardener.

She went on to star in 2009’s The Lovely Bones and 2015’s Youth, as well as 2021 Marvel film Black Widow.

Now Vladimir sees her as ­married college professor M, whose life spirals into a steamy, all-consuming obsession with her younger colleague, played by One Day and White Lotus star Leo Woodall.

The series is based on the book of the same name by Julia May Jonas, which Rachel describes as a ­brilliant piece of writing.

She added of the character she plays: “I deeply empathise with her and understand her. But I left her when I got home.

“She’s like a projection of what a viewer might want to live out.”

Rachel and Daniel, who ­officially ended his 15-year stint as James Bond with No Time To Die in 2021, were friends for years before falling for each other in 2010 while filming thriller Dream House.

Within months they secretly wed in New York and went on to have daughter Grace, now seven. They split their time between Brooklyn in New York and ­Primrose Hill in North London.

But the couple deliberately choose not to do films together.

Rachel said: “I think we really love our private life as a life, as a family, and then we go to work separately.

“It means we can alternate, so I can stay home with the family while he works. We can swap out. If we’re both doing ­something at the same time, it’s probably less ideal.”

Rachel grew up in ­Hampstead, North London, with dad George, a Hungarian-Jewish mechanical engineer, and mum Edith, who originated from ­Austria and was a teacher-turned-psychotherapist.

The star started modelling at 14 and studied English at ­Cambridge University, with her parents hoping she would choose a more traditional career.

Rachel told the Sunday Sitdown With Willie Geist podcast: “They were just the kind of ­parents who were like, ‘You’ve got to get a degree, like you have to go to ­college’, which in the end I did.

“They wanted me to have a fall-back, so I could be a teacher . . . that would be a really good job.

“My parents would be really happy if I was a teacher. My dad was very sceptical about my career choice. I think he wasn’t very impressed by what I was doing.

“He was my harshest critic for a very long time. I think he only, after a good 15 years, was like, ‘OK, yeah’.

“He was tough — yeah, he was tough, in a good way. He was always honest, he didn’t make it nice. He’d take things apart and say, ‘I didn’t understand what you were doing,’ or, ‘That was a bit wooden’.”

But winning her Oscar changed everything.

Rachel said: “That definitely changed my life. Maybe my dad was like, ‘OK, all right, you were OK’.

“He would never be more over the top than that.”

And that Oscar meant she had the freedom to choose the roles she truly wanted, just like the one in Vladimir.

She said: “In the beginning of my career, I just did whatever job I got so I could pay the rent. I wasn’t picky.

“Now I’m in this luxurious position where I can choose things. It’s really about the character and writing, if it appeals to me or if it seems it would be interesting to ­pretend that story.

“I was never the kind of kid that got on the table and did a tap dance and a song. I wasn’t the star of the school plays or ­anything. I was ­actually really shy.

“I think a lot of actors, when I meet them as grown-ups, they go, ‘I was really shy too’.

“I think I’m just a daydreamer. I think storytelling is, in a way, daydreaming, but ­putting your daydreams into ­writing and getting people to embody them.

“I think my daydreaming skills have just come into it, I get paid for it.”

Despite now being praised for her stylish looks, ranging from velvet trouser suits to Valentino haute ­couture, walking the red carpet still makes Rachel nervous even today.

She said: “I don’t think any actress would say doing the red ­carpet is not terrifying. The way to get through it is to pretend.

“It’s a fantasy, like walking into a fantasy world. These people, they transform you, and that is fun.

“What you see on the red ­carpet is not a character that has anything to say.

“I used to be very shy, and in a way that was what was so great about the idea of ­acting. You can hide the real you behind that character.”

But after years of ­struggling with fame, Rachel says she has finally learned to be ­content with exactly where she is in life.

She said: “Someone once said to me when I was younger, ‘Never think the best party is somewhere else’. You know that feeling of being somewhere and thinking you should go somewhere better?

“You can’t do that. ­Wherever you are is the right place to be.”

NBCUniversal is cutting “Access Hollywood” and several other of its daytime talk shows, effectively ending its first-run syndication business as daytime television atrophies.

The company confirmed that “Access Hollywood,” and its counterpart “Access Live,” will be coming to an end in September. The shows, produced in Los Angeles, are currently hosted by Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans and Zuri Hall.

Talk shows “Karamo” and “The Steve Wilkos Show,” produced out of NBC’s facility in Stamford, Conn., are also shutting down. The programs have already completed their production for the season and will run through the summer.

NBC previously announced that “The Kelly Clarkson Show” is also ending later this year after seven seasons.

“The Steve Wilkos Show” ran for 19 seasons. The host is a former bouncer for “The Jerry Springer Show.”

Francis Berwick, chairman of Bravo and Peacock unscripted, said in a statement that the company will continue to distribute library episodes of its talk programs and network shows such as “Law & Order.” But NBCU’s days of launching series for daytime and the hour before prime time are over.

“NBCUniversal is making changes to our first-run syndication division to better align with the programming preferences of local stations,” Berwick said. “The company will remain active in the distribution of our existing program library and other off-network titles, while winding down production of our first-run shows.”

“Access Hollywood” was first launched by NBC in 1996 as a competitor to CBS Media Ventures’ “Entertainment Tonight.”

First-run syndication allows producers to sell TV shows to stations on a market-by-market basis, instead of distributing them through a single network. This model was a major success for talk show staples such as Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.

But streaming has pulled viewers away from traditional television, as viewers can watch their favorite shows and movies anytime on demand. The audience levels needed to generate enough ad revenue to support first-run programming in daytime no longer exists.

Many TV stations are filling their hours with more local news as daytime talk goes away.

Catherine Zeta-Jones arrives on the red carpet at the 85th Academy Awards in 2013.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The red carpet at the Oscars is the epitome of Hollywood glitz and glamour. We combed through our archives for photos of the Academy Awards since 2000 — from arrivals of the biggest stars to backstage candids to winners clutching their awards — to compile this trip down the Oscars’ memory lane.

So what do winners wear? Take a look at our collection below and you’ll see some of the best dressed stars through the years, including Lupita Nyong’o’s custom pale blue Prada gown in 2014 and Emma Stone’s gold Givenchy flapper-style dress in 2017. Around the dawn of the millennium, Halle Berry made a statement with an Elie Saab dress that had a sheer top with embroidered flowers when she won in 2002 while Reese Witherspoon went vintage with a beaded dress from Dior in 2006.

As we wait to see what the stars are wearing Sunday on the 98th Oscars red carpet, take a look at how Oscar fashion has evolved in the 21st century with photos of those who took home trophies for lead actress, lead actor, supporting actress and supporting actor.

2025

Mikey Madison shows off her leading actress Oscar for her role in “Anora” at the 97th Academy Awards.

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

Adrien Brody walks the red carpet at the 97th Academy Awards. He won the leading actor Oscar for “The Brutalist.”

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Zoe Saldaña accepts the supporting actress Oscar at the 2025 Academy Awards for “Emilia Perez.”

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Kieran Culkin poses with his Oscar for “A Real Pain” at the 97th Academy Awards.

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

2024

Emma Stone won her second leading actress Oscar, for “Poor Things,” at the 96th Academy Awards.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Cillian Murphy accepts the leading actor Oscar for “Oppenheimer” at the 96th Academy Awards.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the supporting actress Oscar at the 96th Academy Awards.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Robert Downey Jr. poses on the red carpet at the 96th Academy Awards before winning the supporting actor Oscar for “Oppenheimer.”

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

2023

Michelle Yeoh, who won the leading actress Oscar for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” arrives at the Governors Ball following the 95th Academy Awards.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Brendan Fraser clutches his Oscar backstage at the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Jamie Lee Curtis, the supporting actress winner for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” cries as she holds her Oscar backstage.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Ke Huy Quan stands atop the engraving station after getting his Oscar for supporting actor engraved.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

2022

Jessica Chastain arrives at the 94th Academy Awards before winning the Oscar for lead actress.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith pose on the red carpet at the 2022 Oscars. Smith won the leading actor award later that night after slapping Chris Rock during the show.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Ariana DeBose holds her Oscar for supporting actress backstage.

(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Troy Kotsur accepts the supporting actor award for “CODA” from Youn Yuh-jung.

(Myung Chun / Los Angeles Times)

2021

The 2021 Oscars had a modified format without a red carpet due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020

Renée Zellweger shows off her Oscar for lead actress for “Judy.”

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Joaquin Phoenix arrives at the 92nd Academy Awards. He won for lead actor for his role in “Joker.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Laura Dern, winner of the supporting actress Oscar for “Marriage Story,” shows off her hardware.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Brad Pitt wins the supporting actor Oscar for his role as Cliff Booth in “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood.”

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

2019

Olivia Colman wins the lead actress Oscar for “The Favourite.”

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Rami Malek, winner for lead actor for “Bohemian Rhapsody,” poses in the photo room at the 91st Academy Awards.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Regina King arrives at the Academy Awards, where she won for supporting actress in “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Amatus Sami-Karim and Mahershala Ali pose at the 91st Academy Awards, where Ali won the supporting actor Oscar for “Green Book.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

2018

Frances McDormand was victorious for her role in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”

( Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Gary Oldman tightly grips his Oscar for lead actor.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Allison Janney, winner of the supporting actress Oscar for “I, Tonya,” poses for photos.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Sam Rockwell and Leslie Bibb pose on the red carpet at the 90th Academy Awards. Rockwell won for his role as troubled police officer Jason Dixon in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

2017

Emma Stone delivers a touching acceptance speech after winning lead actress for her role in “La La Land.”

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Casey Affleck holds up his Oscar for lead actor for “Manchester by the Sea.”

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Viola Davis smiles backstage after winning the Oscar for supporting actress for “Fences.”

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Mahershala Ali arrives at the Oscars, where he won for his performance in “Moonlight.”

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

2016

Brie Larson won the lead actress Oscar for her role in the drama “Room.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Leonardo DiCaprio wins his first Oscar ever for “The Revenant.”

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Alicia Vikander is Belle of the ball at the Oscars, where she won for supporting actress in “The Danish Girl.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Mark Rylance walks backstage after picking up the supporting actor Oscar for “Bridge of Spies.”

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

2015

Julianne Moore shows off her lead actress trophy.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Eddie Redmayne arrives at the 87th Academy Awards, where he won gold for “The Theory of Everything.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Patricia Arquette poses on the red carpet. The actress won an Oscar for her role in “Boyhood.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

J.K. Simmons holds his supporting actor Oscar for the movie “Whiplash.”

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

2014

Matthew McConaughey accepts the lead actor award for “Dallas Buyers Club.”

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Cate Blanchett stuns on the red carpet before picking up the lead actress Oscar for “Blue Jasmine.”

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Jared Leto arrives at the 86th Academy Awards, where he won for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Lupita Nyong’o twirls her dress on the red carpet at the Oscars, where she won for her feature film debut in “12 Years a Slave.”

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

2013

Daniel Day-Lewis and Meryl Streep walk offstage at the 85th Academy Awards after Day-Lewis’ lead actor win.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Jennifer Lawrence holds up her Oscar after her win for “Silver Linings Playbook.”

(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Christoph Waltz gives an acceptance speech after winning for supporting actor.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Anne Hathaway wins for supporting actress at the 85th Academy Awards.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

2012

Jean Dujardin cheers after his Oscar win for lead actor at the 84th Academy Awards.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Meryl Streep holds up her Oscar for lead actress for “The Iron Lady.”

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Christopher Plummer examines his Oscar for supporting actor.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Octavia Spencer cries as she accepts her Oscar for supporting actress.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

2011

Colin Firth is photographed with his Oscar at the Governors Ball following his win for “The King’s Speech.”

(Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Natalie Portman arrives in style to the Oscars, where she won for her role in “Black Swan.”

(Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Christian Bale accepts his award for supporting actor during the 83rd Academy Awards.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Melissa Leo poses on the red carpet before her win for supporting actress.

(Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

2010

Jeff Bridges cheers after receiving the lead actor Oscar.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Sandra Bullock arrives at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards before winning an Oscar for her role in “The Blind Side.”

(Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Mo’Nique receives an Oscar for her role in “Precious” during the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Christoph Waltz accepts his award for supporting actor during the 82nd Academy Awards.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

2009

Sean Penn accepts the lead actor Oscar for his role in “Milk” during the 81st Academy Awards.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Kate Winslet stands backstage after her win for lead actress at the 81st Academy Awards.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Sally Bell, Kim and Kate Ledger accept the Oscar for supporting actor awarded to Heath Ledger at the 81st Academy Awards.

(Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times)

Penelope Cruz receives her Oscar at the 81st Academy Awards for her role in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

2008

Forest Whitaker escorts Marion Cotillard off stage after presenting her with the Oscar for lead actress at the 80th Academy Awards.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Presenter Helen Mirren joins Daniel Day–Lewis backstage after his win for lead actor at the 80th Academy Awards.

(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Tilda Swinton accepts the supporting actress Oscar for her role in “Michael Clayton” at the 80th Academy Awards.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Javier Bardem celebrates with the cast of “No Country for Old Men” after the film’s win for best picture and his victory for lead actor.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

2007

Helen Mirren accepts the Oscar for lead actress for her role in “The Queen.”

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Forest Whitaker accepts the leading actor Oscar for his role in “The Last King of Scotland.”

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Jennifer Hudson exits the stage with her Oscar after winning for supporting actress during the 79th Academy Awards.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Rachel Weisz wipes lipstick off of supporting actor winner Alan Arkin’s cheek while walking offstage.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

2006

Reese Witherspoon arrives at the 78th Academy Awards, where she took home an Oscar for lead actress in “Walk the Line.”

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Philip Seymour Hoffman accepts the Oscar for lead actor for his role in “Capote” at the 78th Academy Awards.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Rachel Weisz accepts the supporting actress Oscar for her role in “The Constant Gardener.”

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

George Clooney greets fans at the 78th Academy Awards, where he took home the supporting actor Oscar.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

2005

Morgan Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Hilary Swank and Jamie Foxx pose with Oscar statuettes at the 77th Academy Awards.

(Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Jamie Foxx and daughter Corinne arrive at the 77th Academy Awards.

(Béatrice de Géa / Los Angeles Times)

Hilary Swank arrives at the 77th Academy Awards, where she would win an Oscar for lead actress in “Million Dollar Baby.”

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Morgan Freeman arrives at the 77th Academy Awards with his daughter, Morgana.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Cate Blanchett arrives at the Academy Awards, where she won an Oscar for her role in “The Aviator.”

(Béatrice de Géa / Los Angeles Times)

2004

Charlize Theron, Sean Penn, Rénee Zellweger and Tim Robbins pose with their Oscars at the 76th Academy Awards.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Charlize Theron, wearing Tom Ford for Gucci, arrives at the 76th Academy Awards.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Sean Penn accepts the leading actor Oscar for his role in “Mystic River.”

(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Actress Renée Zellweger poses with her Oscar for supporting actress for her role in “Cold Mountain” at the 76th Academy Awards.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Tim Robbins, his then-partner Susan Sarandon and their son flash peace signs as they arrive at the 75th Academy Awards.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

2003

Adrien Brody, Nicole Kidman, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Chris Cooper prepare to pose with their Oscars at the 75th Academy Awards.

(Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)

Adrien Brody reacts to his Oscar win for “The Pianist.”

(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Nicole Kidman accepts the leading actress Oscar at the 75th Academy Awards.

(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Chris Cooper points to the camera after winning an Oscar for supporting actor for “Adaptation.”

(Anacleto Rapping / Los Angeles Times)

Catherine Zeta–Jones accepts the leading actress award at the 75th Academy Awards.

(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

2002

Denzel Washington wins the leading actor Oscar for his role in “Training Day.”

(Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Halle Berry arrives at the 74th Academy Awards, where she won an Oscar for her role in “Monster’s Ball.”

(Kevin P. Casey / Los Angeles Times)

Supporting actress Jennifer Connelly and supporting actor Jim Broadbent smile at the 74th Academy Awards.

(Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times)

Jennifer Connelly accepts her Oscar for her role in “A Beautiful Mind.”

(Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

2001

Benicio del Toro, Marcia Gay Harden, Julia Roberts and Russell Crowe pose with their Oscars during the 73rd Academy Awards.

(Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Russell Crowe wins an Oscar for his work on the film “Gladiator” during the 73rd annual Academy Awards.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Julia Roberts celebrates after winning the leading actress Oscar at the 73rd Academy Awards.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Benicio Del Toro clinches his fist after accepting the supporting actor Oscar for his role in “Traffic.”

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Marcia Gay Harden accepts her supporting actress Oscar at the 73rd Academy Awards.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

2000

Michael Caine, Angelina Jolie, Hilary Swank and Kevin Spacey smile backstage at the 72nd Academy Awards.

(Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Kevin Spacey poses with his leading actor award for his role in “American Beauty.”

(Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Hilary Swank accepts her Oscar for her role in “Boys Don’t Cry.”

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Michael Caine accepts the Oscar for supporting actor during the 72nd Academy Awards.

(Robert Gauthier/ Los Angeles Times)

Angelina Jolie kisses her Oscar for supporting actress during the 72nd Academy Awards.

(Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

BERLIN — Juergen Habermas, whose work on communication, rationality and sociology made him one of the world’s most influential philosophers and a key intellectual figure in his native Germany, has died. He was 96.

Habermas’ publisher, Suhrkamp, said he died on Saturday in Starnberg, near Munich.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that “Germany and Europe have lost one of the most significant thinkers of our time.”

Merz said that “his sociological and philosophical work had an impact on generations of researchers and thinkers.” He praised “Habermas’ intellectual forcefulness and his liberality” and said in a statement that “his voice will be missed.”

Habermas frequently weighed in on political matters over several decades. His extensive writing crossed the boundaries of academic and philosophical disciplines, providing a vision of modern society and social interaction. His best-known works included the two-volume “Theory of Communicative Action.”

Habermas, who was 15 at the time of Nazi Germany’s defeat, later recalled the dawn of a new era in 1945 and his coming to terms with the reality of Nazi crimes as something without which he wouldn’t have found his way into philosophy and social theory. He recalled that “you saw suddenly that it was a politically criminal system in which you had lived.”

He had an ambivalent relationship with the left-wing student movement of the late 1960s in Germany and beyond, engaging with it but also warning at the time against the danger of what he called “left-wing fascism” — a reaction to a firebrand speech by a student leader that he later said was “slightly out of place.” He would later recognize the movement as having driven a “fundamental liberalization” of German society.

In the 1980s, Habermas was a prominent figure in the so-called Historians’ Dispute, in which Berlin historian Ernst Nolte and others called for a new perspective on the Third Reich and German identity. They tended to compare what happened under Adolf Hitler to atrocities carried out by other governments, such as the deaths of millions in the Soviet Union under Josef Stalin. Habermas and other opponents contended that the conservative historians were trying to lessen the magnitude of Nazi crimes through such comparisons.

Habermas supported the rise to power of center-left Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in 1998. He was critical of the “technocratic” approach and perceived lack of political vision of Schroeder’s conservative successor, Angela Merkel, complaining in 2016 of the paralyzing effects on public opinion of “the foam blanket of Merkel’s policy of sending people to sleep.”

He was particularly critical of the “limited interest” shown by German politicians, business leaders and media in “shaping a politically effective Europe.” In 2017, he praised newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron for laying out of plans for European reform, saying that “the way he speaks about Europe makes a difference.”

Habermas was born on June 18, 1929, in Duesseldorf and grew up in nearby Gummersbach, where his father headed the local chamber of commerce. He became a member of the Deutsches Jungvolk, a section of the Hitler Youth for younger boys, at 10.

He was born with a cleft palate that required repeated operations as a child, an experience that helped inform his later thinking about language.

Habermas said he had experienced the importance of spoken language as “a layer of commonality without which we as individuals cannot exist” and recalled struggling to make himself understood. He also spoke of the “superiority of the written word,” and said that “the written form conceals the flaws of the oral.”

His wife, Ute Habermas-Wesselhoeft, died last year. The couple had three children: Tilmann; Rebekka, who died in 2023; and Judith.

Moulson writes for the Associated Press.

Brand new modern Western drama The Madison is poised to become a sensation on Paramount+, but who is in the cast?

The Madison is the latest streaming sensation from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and it’s not to be missed now the first three episodes are available to stream on Paramount+.

Featuring an all-star cast led by two Hollywood heavyweights, the series follows a wealthy family based in New York who are forced to move to Montana following a devastating tragedy.

While they struggle to adapt to rural life, their stunning surroundings and friendly neighbours slowly but surely encourage them to open up to new possibilities.

Fans who have already tuned into the first half of this epic six-part drama are in luck, as three more episodes are arriving next Saturday and the series has already been renewed for a second season.

But who stars in The Madison and where will viewers have seen them before? Let’s take a closer look at the show’s stellar cast.

Who is in the cast of The Madison?

The Madison features a stellar cast of recognisable names, led by cinema icons Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell.

Pfeiffer and Russell star as husband-and-wife partnership Stacy and Preston Clyburn, nearly 40 years after they starred together in the 1988 hit film Tequila Sunrise. Pfeiffer is also known for classic films such as Scarface, Batman Returns and Hairspray and portrays Janet Van Dyne aka the Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Meanwhile, Russell has led several cult horror movies by director John Carpenter, including The Thing and Big Trouble in Little China, and has also appeared in the MCU film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. He is currently starring in Apple TV’s Godzilla spin-off series, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which recently returned for its second season.

Other familiar faces joining the series include Suits star Patrick J. Adams as Russell McIntosh, the husband of Stacy and Preston’s daughter Paige, portrayed by Elle Chapman. Chapman is a relative newcomer, whose most prominent credit so far has been the Tom Hanks film A Man Called Otto.

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The supporting cast includes:

• Matthew Fox (Lost) as Paul Clyburn, Preston’s brother and Stacy’s brother in-law
• Beau Garrett (Firefly Lane) as Abigail Reese, Stacy and Preston’s older daughter
• Amiah Miller (War for the Planet of the Apes) as Bridgette Reese, Abigail’s older daughter
• Ben Schnetzer (Y: The Last Man) as Van Davis
• Kevin Zegers (The Rookie: Feds) as Cade Harris, Stacy and Preston’s neighbor
• Rebecca Spence (Power Book IV: Force) as Liliana Weeks, Stacy’s friend
• Alaina Pollack (On Call) as Macy, Abigail’s younger daughter
• Danielle Vasinova (1923) as Kestrel Harris

Finally, the series will also include guest appearances from Will Arnett as Dr. Phil Yorn, who did not appear in the first three episodes.

Arnett is known for comedic roles in sitcoms such as Arrested Development and 30 Rock, voicing Bojack Horseman in the hit Netflix animated series of the same name, and most recently starred in Bradley Cooper’s new film Is This Thing On?

The Madison episodes 4-6 will be released Saturday, 21 March on Paramount+.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website.

A presenter and explorer had to move fast to avoid a potentially dangerous animal encounter

Steve Backshall had a “dangerously close encounter” as he filmed a series about hippos.

The naturalist and explorer got up close to the animals while making Hippo Watch with Steve Backshall, which can be viewed on Channel 5. But a clip shared on Instagram showed some of the hippos getting a bit too interested in the camera crew as they shot scenes in South Africa, with Steve exclaiming: “They’re coming our way!”

The clip, captioned “Dangerously close encounter with hippos”, showed Steve and his crew in the water, filming a group of hippos nearby.

“Even on waters where hippos are familiar with boats and people, beware of hippos who break away from their group,” the voiceover warned.

Looking over at the animals, Steve spotted some movement and told viewers: “Oh, he’s standing up and having a good close look at me. Look at that! Spy hopping right up out of the water.

“OK guys, keep a very close eye on him, yeah? Two of them are splintered off from the pod, and they’re looking right at me. Three. Three of them now. And definitely curious.”

As the hippos started to move through the water, he exclaimed: “I think those two are coming our way. No? Yeah, they are. Look, they’re coming our way!”

Someone in the film crew was then heard telling the team: “OK guys, they’re moving now, come on.”

Steve waded hastily back to the boat, admitting: “We’re getting very close.”

The voiceover noted that it was “definitely time to leave”, continuing: “You can never get complacent around these animals, and should always err on the side of caution.”

The Instagram caption said: “Wrong place. Wrong time. @backshall.steve finds himself dangerously close to a hippo that’s broken from the pack… One wrong move could be fatal.”

The series has gone down a storm with viewers, with one posting on Instagram: “Phenomenal documentary.” “Fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed this,” said someone else, as another said it was “incredible” viewing.

“Very interesting,” posted another impressed viewer. “Steve, you’re quite literally my childhood role model,” commented another fan, adding: “So awesome to see all of this content.”

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website.

Hippo Watch is available on Channel 5.

When I think of the solidarity of musicians, I recall an iconic scene from the film “Titanic.”

It’s the one where a quartet plays “Nearer, My God, to Thee” as the great, “unsinkable” ship sinks into the North Atlantic Ocean.

They attempted to offer calm amid a sea of panic as passengers and crew feverishly boarded lifeboats. The events were based on a true story and historians note that the body of the Titanic band leader Wallace Hartley was found floating in the ocean “with his music case strapped to it.”

Even in tragedy, we seek music to bring us solace.

Much closer to home, musicians from Pacific Palisades, Altadena and other affected areas have been challenged to keep the music going after losing instruments, studio equipment and business along with their homes in the January 2025 fires that claimed the lives of 31 people.

One organization, Altadena Musicians, launched the app Instrumental Giving to connect donors who can spare an old piano or a gently used cello with those who lost similar instruments.

KC Mancebo, an Altadena Musicians advisor, spoke with The Times about the group’s mission and success.

The campaign’s genesis

It started with composers Brandon Jay and his wife, Gwendolyn Sanford, who saw their Altadena home, music studio and several instruments destroyed by the Eaton fire.

Shortly after the fire, Jay posted about the lost equipment and what each piece meant to his family.

He said the response from that post — hundreds of people offering their instruments and other types of aid — left him “overwhelmed and gobsmacked.”

He called friends and helpers from throughout the music industry, including Mancebo, chief executive of the event production and talent booking agency Clamorhouse, hoping to offer to others the same help he received.

Mancebo had been helping homeowners navigate fire insurance paperwork and processes.

“Brandon Jay asked, ‘Why don’t we start gathering instruments for our friends,” Mancebo said. “We had 25 friends in the Palisades and 15 friends in the Eaton fire that lost everything, so we and others got involved.”

How’s it going so far?

The organization has passed out around 3,500 instruments to 1,200 families since the first donations in late January 2025, Mancebo said.

The donations range from ukuleles to Steinway & Sons pianos.

“We’re providing instruments to anyone from children who lost their first instruments to people who lost their entire studio,” she said. “The need is great.”

The gifts have come from individual donors and corporate benefactors such as JBL, which has provided speakers and equipment, as well as guitar makers Fender and Gibson, among others.

Rebuilding from the ashes

Mancebo lost her Westside home eight years ago because of a defective dryer that caught fire, she said.

“I went through the whole process of insurance, permitting and rebuilding and we didn’t have FEMA or anyone to help,” she said. “I want to provide that help to those in a similar situation.”

Mancebo said it took eight years to recover and rebuild her home.

“No one is fine after the first year,” she said. “Everyone needs help.”

Brentwood resident Amy Engelhardt, a singer/songwriter, composer, lyricist and playwright, donated her Kawai Upright Piano to the Altadena Musicians organization on March 10, 2026.

(Courtesy of Amy Engelhardt)

One person’s goodbye is another’s hello

Brentwood resident Amy Engelhardt, a singer/songwriter, composer, lyricist and playwright, loved her Kawai upright piano she purchased through a PennySaver ad in 2000.

“It was a deal for the starving artist,” she said. “I paid so little and I always considered it a gift.”

Since then, Engelhardt said she has written all of her music on that piano. She didn’t, however, play it while recording her Grammy-nominated vocal group, the Bobs.

Still, she donated her piano this week to a woman who lost her home. The instrument would not be making the permanent move with Engelhardt back to New York, where her playwriting services are in demand.

“I did get emotional about it, but it’s OK,” Engelhardt said. “It’s comforting knowing that someone else will love it and create their own memories.”

Those interested in donating can check out https://altadenamusicians.org.

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MICHAEL B. Jordan has been dreaming of landing Oscars glory since he was 15-years-old, but there were fears his career was over before it began.

In-demand Jordan heads to the Academy Awards on Sunday in line to land the coveted Best Actor award for supernatural horror movie Sinners, which has been nominated for a record-breaking 16 gongs.

But in an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun, childhood pal JD Williams — who starred alongside a teenage Jordan in HBO’s iconic cop drama The Wire — says his bloody exit in the show had the young actor doubting his future.

Williams played local dealer and gang member Bodie, taking Jordan’s unassuming, drug-running character of Wallace under his wing.

Yet when the bosses, led by Hollywood star Idris Elba as the notorious Stringer Bell, suspected Jordan was speaking to cops, Williams was told to execute him.

With the actors only given their scripts days before a shoot, the Creed star had no idea his breakout role was soon to be over.

It was a heartbreaking end to the first season, and left a young Jordan worried about his career ending abruptly.

“None of us knew where the story was going,” Williams told The U.S. Sun. “You only get your scripts week to week. When he saw that he was getting killed off, he literally thought he wasn’t going to work again.

“I told him, ‘Look, everybody loves you already. When this happens, people are going to look up Wallace’s real name. When they find out it’s Michael B. Jordan, they’re going to look for you in everything.’”

Williams, 48, and Jordan, 39, grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and both attended Arts High School.

While many of the actors in The Wire were cleverly drawn from the gritty streets of Baltimore, trained actors such as Elba, the late Michael K. Williams, who played hustler Omar, as well as Jordan and his pal Williams, helped elevate the five-series masterpiece to the next level.

Jordan came into the show off the back of the 2001 sports drama Hardball, starring Keanu Reeves.

He was very much learning his trade when he met Williams and his fellow co-stars for the first time.

Yet going up against the A-listers Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio for an Oscar illustrates just how far Jordan has come since those early, nervy days.

“I had already heard about him because he had done Hardball, and I was proud of him for that,” Williams recalled. “Then to find out he was on the same series I was doing, I was like, ‘Wow — a kid from exactly where I’m from and we’re doing this together.’”

The two actors quickly formed a bond on set.

They hung out together, playing PlayStation and traveling to Las Vegas and Miami when not filming.

Their friendship has remained strong ever since.

“I would say he’s probably the most organic actor — star actor — out there,” Williams, a prominent and memorable character in The Wire who was eventually killed off himself after 34 episodes, said. “There’s minimal fakeness in him, minimal shade.”

If Jordan wins the best actor award, he will become the first character from writer David Simon’s critically acclaimed show to be crowned by the Academy.

“Someone from our class had to get it, if Michael K. Williams were still alive, I think he would have been in this position too, but I’m so proud it’s Mike,” said his old friend. “There’s no scandal with him. It’s deserved.”

Williams went on to star in prison drama Oz, is working on numerous independent projects, has also appeared in Starz drama BMF, and now relishes helping guide the next generation of actors.

Jordan, meanwhile, has steadily built one of the most successful careers of his generation, starring in films like Creed and portraying villain Killmonger in Marvel’s Black Panther.

Crucially, his longtime creative partnership with director Ryan Coogler, who was also behind Creed in 2015, has become one of the most influential collaborations in modern Hollywood.

No film has ever received more nominations than Sinners, in which Jordan masterfully plays a dual role as twin brothers Elijah and Elias.

The movie stormed this year’s Academy Awards with a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing the previous record of 14 shared by All About Eve, Titanic and La La Land.

Its dominance spans the biggest categories, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Coogler — along with a Best Actor nomination for Jordan, his first at the Oscars.

The apocalyptic drama also earned acting nods for Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku, while racking up recognition across major craft categories including cinematography, editing, costume design and visual effects.

The record-setting 16th nomination came in the Academy’s brand-new Best Casting category, recognizing Francine Maisler’s work assembling the film’s ensemble.

Williams says he worked on a series of scripts and ideas with Jordan over the years, but admits the partnership with Coogler has helped his friend evolve as an actor and is why he now stands on the brink of greatness.

“Him and Ryan getting together is the perfect combination,” he said. “Having a director that is great to collaborate with is exactly what was needed.

“If you have a vision and you’re part of a class of actors coming up together, that’s what happens. They are the perfect combination.”

Jordan’s ability to deliver the performances his directors want is also key.

“If you give Mike direction, he gets it straight away,” Williams said. “He can go exactly where you need him to go and be what you need him to be in that moment.

“That’s the essence of acting — delivering the message to the audience.

“And he’s not just there to be handsome and pretty. Mike is writing, producing, directing. He understands the whole business.”

Biggest Oscar Nominees of 2026 Academy Awards

Everyone in Hollywood hopes to snag a nod on the industry’s biggest night but only few get that honor. Here are the nominees from the major categories of the 2026 Academy Awards:

Best Picture

• Bugonia
• F1
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• The Secret Agent
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners
• Train Dreams

Best Director

• Chloé Zhao — Hamnet
• Josh Safdie — Marty Supreme
• Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
• Joachim Trier — Sentimental Value
• Ryan Coogler — Sinners

Best Actor (Leading Role)

• Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme
• Leonardo DiCaprio — One Battle After Another
• Ethan Hawke — Blue Moon
• Michael B. Jordan — Sinners
• Wagner Moura — The Secret Agent

Best Actress (Leading Role)

• Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
• Rose Byrne — If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
• Renate Reinsve — Sentimental Value
• Emma Stone — Bugonia
• Kate Hudson — Song Sung Blue

Best Supporting Actor

• Benicio Del Toro — One Battle After Another
• Jacob Elordi — Frankenstein
• Delroy Lindo — Sinners
• Sean Penn — One Battle After Another
• Stellan Skarsgård — Sentimental Value

Best Supporting Actress

• Teyana Taylor — One Battle After Another
• Wunmi Mosaku — Sinners
• Amy Madigan — Weapons
• Elle Fanning — Sentimental Value
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas — Sentimental Value

Best Original Screenplay

• Bugonia — Yorgos Lanthimos & Will Tracy
• Marty Supreme — Josh Safdie & Ronald Bronstein
• One Battle After Another — Paul Thomas Anderson
• Sentimental Value — Joachim Trier & Eskil Vogt
• Sinners — Ryan Coogler

Best Adapted Screenplay

• Blue Moon — Richard Linklater & Glen Powell
• Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro
• Hamnet — Chloé Zhao
• The Secret Agent — Kleber Mendonça Filho
• Train Dreams — Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar

Best Animated Feature

• Arco
• KPop Demon Hunters
• The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol
• Zootopia 2
• The Night Gardener

Best International Feature Film

• The Secret Agent — Brazil
• Sentimental Value — Norway
• It Was Just an Accident — Iran
• Universal Language — Canada
• Sujo — Mexico

Best Documentary Feature

• The Alabama Solution
• Come See Me in the Good Light
• Four Daughters
• No Other Land
• The Perfect Neighbor

More than two decades after their time on The Wire, Williams says watching Jordan’s continued rise is deeply personal.

Their families remain close.

“I’m proud of my brother,” he said. “He’s been growing as an actor his entire life. But he’s deeper than that — he writes, he produces, he directs. He’s built himself into this system.

“I can’t explain how proud I am. Thinking back to us just sitting on my parents’ steps at my little sister’s birthday party — and now seeing where he is. The vision is unfolding exactly the way it was supposed to.”

But will he watch his old friend’s moment of destiny on Sunday night?

“When I don’t watch my team, they win. When I watch my team, it’s 50-50. And I don’t — I just don’t know, man,” he said with a huge smile.

“If it’s not this time, it’s going to be the next time. But of course I am behind my brother. I always will be.

“Chalamet is a great actor, but this is Mike’s year. If he wins, I’m going straight to his house. I don’t know if I’ll hug him or punch him in the stomach, but it’ll be a great feeling. He’s a great dude and I love him to death.

“We talked about this stuff while playing PlayStation years ago. Seeing it unfold meticulously — not as a fluke, but as a plan — is beautiful.”

MAURA Higgins looked incredible as she stripped off for a bubble bath for a new St Patrick’s Day advert.

The former Love Island star, 35, was seen relaxing in the tub with a cold pint of Guinness on the side.

Maura used the bubbles to cover her modesty as she enjoyed a relaxing soak.

Meanwhile, her crew were seen frantically searching a pub for her as one member screams: “Did you lose Maura?”

The video then cuts back to Maura who admits there’s nothing better than an “Irish exit”, which is the act of leaving a party or social gathering quietly without telling the host or saying goodbye to anyone at the event.

Looking seductively at the camera, Maura said: “There’s nothing better than a successful Irish exit. 

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“Sneaking away quietly in a well-timed Uber. I think it’s my new thing.”

Maura then reached over to her phone as she scored her Uber driver a five star rating.

She continued: “It’s like when you’re out or at a pub filming a work thing. I don’t think you should say anything to anyone about leaving anywhere. 

“You know it’s nothing personal, and the people usually understand.”

The clip then jumps back to her crew becoming increasingly panicked as they realise that Maura is missing.

One asked: “Does anyone have eyes on Maura?

“We can’t find her. She’s gone.”

The new advert is part of a campaign with Uber for St Patrick’s Day.

A relaxing soak in the bathtub is perfect for Maura after being rushed of her feet in recent months – from one project to another.

On Friday, the Irish star pulled out all the stops with her latest incredible outfit as she attended the Women In Film Oscars nominee party.

She made sure all eyes were on her as she stepped out for an A-list party in a strapless dress as she continues her American takeover.

The TV star posed up a storm in her corset style dress at the party to celebrate the Oscars, which take place tomorrow.

Last night’s party is just the latest in a string of glitzy bashes that the Love Island star has been attending as she continues her US domination tour.

The former Islander is currently starring in The Traitors US alongside The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills icon Lisa Rinna, who she was also seen chatting with at the Oscars nominees party.

The show may not have aired in the UK yet, but the Irish star’s quick wit has already made her a fan favourite in the States.

American viewers have also been enjoying watching the chemistry between Maura and Love Island USA star Rob Rausch, 27, play out on Traitors.

Maura was recently asked about their relationship when she appeared on US talk show Watch What Happens Live recently.

Host Andy Cohen told her: “The internet wants you and Rob to get together.” 

Speaking about her close friendship with RHOBH star Lisa, she told Andy: “Lisa helped majorly, majorly.”

Maura added: “Lisa, thank you very much for this!”

Meanwhile, further proof that Maura has cracked the USA, something that British reality stars have found hard to do, is that she has been signed to the top-tier agency Align PR.

Their client roster includes A-list stars like Madonna, 67, Matthew McConaughey, 56, and Bryce Dallas Howard, 45.

Maura has also proved herself to be popular with Hollywood stars.

In March last year, the star revealed that she had been invited to lunch with Margot ­Robbie.

The Barbie actress, 35, is a huge Love Island fan and previously described Maura as one of her favourite contestants.

Maura wrote on Instagram: “When Margot Robbie invites you to lunch . . . you go.” 

MOTORHEAD guitarist, Phil Campbell, has died aged 64.

His family said that he died following “a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex operation”.

In a heartbreaking statement, his family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation.

“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as “Bampi.”

“He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.

“We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”

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The tribute was posted online by Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, a band featuring Phil and his three sons Todd, Dane and Tyla.

The family band were forced to cancel an Australian tour in February due to “medical advice Phil has just received”.

Campbell joined Motorhead in 1984 before they disbanded in 2015 following the death of front man Lemmy, who died in 2015, aged 70.

His studio debut came with the release of Motorhead’s Orgasmatron in 1986.

In 2019, he released his first solo album, Old Lions Still Roar.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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JUNIOR Andre has made his acting debut alongside his father Peter and an EastEnders star, just days after revealing his secret job.

The young lad, 20, played the role of Johnny in a new coming-of-age drama called Finding My Voice.

Finding My Voice is about a girl called Mel who feels like she has nowhere to go after facing a series of tragedies.

Her family breaks up due to alcoholism following the death of her baby brother, plunging her into deep struggles.

Johnny is a friend who is always there for her when she needs someone to believe in her, which is truly heartwarming.

At the end of the month Finding My Voice will host its first screening as a part of Manchester‘s Film Festival.

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The announcement was made via the film’s Instagram page.

Another Instagram post announced who Junior would be playing, which received a roaring reception from his friends and family.

The post shows a carousel of snaps of Junior featuring in the film, the first of which includes the name “Johnny” over his head in block lettering.

The caption says: “Junior Andre. Johnny is Mel’s school friend and one of the few people who’s always there when she needs someone to believe in her.

“Finding My Voice movie is out on 28th March at Manchester Film Festival. See you there!”

Right at the top of the post’s comments section is Peter, gushing: “Yea my son,” followed by three flame emojis.

Junior’s girlfriend Jasmine Orr added: “Can’t wait for this,” along with three hand emojis forming hearts.

Fans felt the same level of enthusiasm, saying “Wow” and that they “can’t wait to watch” the film.

Peter plays the role of Costas, who more details are yet to be released about.

Meanwhile EastEnders‘ Michelle Ryan stars as Lisa Kendall, a mother.

The news comes just days after Junior revealed he’s been secretly working for the London underground at night.

He said he’s been “grafting, lifting heavy metals, cutting, filing [and] painting.”

Junior revealed the job during an episode of his sister Princess‘ show, The Princess Diaries.

He noted: “You actually have to pay to do music. People don’t really know that.

“I live off myself, I don’t live off Mum and Dad – that’s what people think, that we do.”

Junior’s mother is Katie Price, who got married to Lee Andrews earlier this year in a whirlwind romance.

It has been nearly three years since Hollywood writers went on a historic strike that lasted 148 days and ushered in an extraordinary period of labor unrest that virtually shut down the film and TV business.

Now, writers are poised to commence another round of bargaining with the major studios on a new three-year film and TV contract. Few observers think the union is girding for another showdown, especially at a time when many of its members are struggling to find work amid media consolidation and belt-tightening.

But in advance of negotiations that begin on Monday , union leaders are eager to dispel any perception that they might have scaled back their demands.

“Our members have shown many times that they’re willing to fight for what we need as a collective group,” WGA West President Michele Mulroney said in an interview. “And there’s no exception here.”

With its current contract expiring on May 1, the WGA hopes to improve its members’ healthcare plans, increase streaming residuals and expand AI protections.

Michele Mulroney speaks as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and Writers Guild of America (WGA) join GLAAD in releasing the 11TH Annual GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza Los Angeles LGBT Center in Los Angeles, California, on September 14, 2023.

(Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images)

Ellen Stutzman, the union’s executive director, said despite popular belief, the studios have weathered the transition from cable television to streaming “very well,” citing their efforts to maximize revenue with streaming bundling, rising subscription fees and advertising revenue.

“Writers are watching as Netflix and Paramount are fighting it out to acquire Warner Bros… Paramount is spending $81 billion,” said Stutzman. “There’s money for a fair deal for writers.”

The union leaders agree that this year’s negotiations are all focused on the sustainability of a writer’s career.

A spokesperson from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the major studios in negotiations, said in a statement that they look forward “to engaging in a constructive and collaborative bargaining process with the WGA. Through continued good-faith dialogue, we are confident we can reach balanced solutions that support talented writers while sustaining the long-term success and stability of our industry and its workforce.”

A top priority for the WGA is to increase the caps that companies contribute to the union’s healthcare plan. Union officials say the current cap has remain unchanged for two decades as healthcare contributions have steadily declined due to fewer writers working.

AI is also top of mind for the WGA.

In 2023, the guild secured various AI protections by establishing that AI isn’t a writer and nothing it produces is considered literary material.

But as major studios start to make deals with AI companies, like Disney’s $1 billion investment into OpenAI’s Sora platform, many writers are concerned about how their work could be used.

“AI is using [studios’] IP, which is stuff that we wrote to license these models,” said John August, the co-host of the “Scriptnotes” podcast and WGA’s negotiating committee co-chair. “With the Sora deal, it seems clear that the companies intend to monetize this IP for use with AI.”

August says the union will be skeptical toward arguments that it’s still too early to seek more safeguards around such a nascent industry, citing the union’s past history with the rise of DVDs and the internet and how profoundly those technologies changed the compensation for writers.

“If you’re taking the work that we created to generate AI outputs, we are owed money. They’re using our work to do something down the road,” added August.

WGA’s negotiating committee also is looking to boost streaming residuals, expand the minimum number of people allowed in a writers’ room and add protections for scribes working on pilots.

“We very much hope that lessons were learned in 2023 and that the AMPTP will come to the table ready to take our proposal seriously and to make a fair deal, and to do that quickly,” Mulroney said. “It provides stability for the companies and for our membership. It’s better for everybody.”

WGA is entering contract negotiations nearly a month after the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, began its bargaining sessions. Last week,
the AMPTP said it was extending negotiations another seven days.

Alex Kingston was awarded eighth place in Strictly Come Dancing last year with her professional partner Johannes Radebe.

Alex Kingston admits she felt “worthless” after her high-profile divorce from a Hollywood icon.

Saturday Kitchen Live returns today, Saturday, March 14, on BBC One with presenter Matt Tebbutt joined by this week’s special guest Alex Kingston, famed for ER, Doctor Who and more recently Strictly Come Dancing.

As the 63-year-old returns to our screens this weekend, here’s an insight into the life of the fan-favourite actress.

Hollywood marriage

Alex Kingston was married to none other than Schindler’s List and Harry Potter legend Ralph Fiennes, after they met as students at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1983.

They dated for a decade, married in 1993 but divorced in 1997 after Fiennes had an affair with his Hamlet co-star Francesca Annis who was 18 years his senior.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

After discovering the affair, Alex found it too difficult to stay in London and so started a new life in Los Angeles and joined the cast of ER in 1997.

Previously speaking about the break-up to the Daily Mail, she shared: “I was feeling worthless, that I would never find anyone else as good as my husband, which is ridiculous, but I had so little self-esteem.

“Divorce is awful, but it is also something I don’t regret happening to me because it has shaped who I am now.”

She went on to marry her second husband, German writer Florian Haetel, two years later and had their daughter Salome Violetta Haertel.

Their marriage wasn’t to last either though as they separated in 2009 and divorced four years later.

Two years after her second divorce, the star went on to marry TV producer Jonathan Stamp with the pair still happily together.

Strictly

Alex competed in Strictly Come Dancing 2025 with partner Johannes Radebe and proved to be a fan-favourite with BBC viewers.

However, she didn’t get the best critique from harsh judge Craig Revel-Horwood when he jibed that Alex looked like she was having a “midlife crisis” during her Halloween Week salsa routine to Mousse T Fellow’s Horny.

Reacting to the unexpected comment to Prima Magazine, she said: “When I did the Strictly Halloween ‘Horny’ number, I wasn’t fully aware of the scathing critique Craig had given me about looking like a woman who is having a midlife crisis.

“I didn’t realise that he was saying it or know about the follow-through in terms of people saying, ‘That’s just outrageous, how dare you say something like that?’

“It was a little mean-spirited for Craig to say that and also I just felt like it’s exactly the opposite of what I’m trying to advocate.

“It’s like, no, if you want to dance and swing a devil’s tail around and you’re in your 90s, do it. I mean, this is your life. So live it!”

Health scare

Alex was diagnosed with and treated for uterine cancer in 2024 and, after a hysterectomy and radiation, she is now in remission.

The star initially dismissed symptoms including boating as a sign of aging but suffered a “shocking” haemorrhage while on stage at Chichester Festival Theatre.

It was after this incident that Alex was given the unexpected diagnosis, telling the BBC: “I never went down the cancer road in my head.

“It was a shock, because I have a very positive outlook on life in general.

“Even though my body was telling me there was something very seriously wrong.”

Alex added that it was this experience in 2024 that pushed her to say yes to Strictly Come Dancing the following year as “life is too short”.

Alex appears on Saturday Kitchen on BBC One on March 14 at 10am

Zoe Markos, who appeared on Neighbours as an extra before landing a speaking role, has revealed what it’s really like working on the soap opera and let slip some backstage secrets

An actress who previously on a huge soap opera has opened up on what it’s really like on set.

Neighbours first aired in 1985 and initially ended in 2022, however, the show was later revived by Amazon before its final cancellation in 2025.

Over its long history, the Australian serial drama launched the careers of global stars like Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Russell Crowe, and Liam Hemsworth but what is it actually like to be on the set of Erinsborough?

Zoe Markos first joined Neighbours in 2012 as an extra before eventually landing a speaking role in 2025 as Louisa Palamountain and she’s now shared some behind-the-scenes secrets that viewers might not know.

Speaking to JoeFortune, Zoe explained: “The studio is literally Erinsborough, built to feel like a real town. Walking around, you genuinely feel like you’re in an actual town because of how well it’s been designed. The sets are much smaller than they look on TV.

“For example, when you’re pretending to make juice or cook something, none of the utensils actually work but it doesn’t matter because the illusion is perfect.

“What really blows me away is how much history is packed into those sets. Especially when I was involved on the production side, I got to see props, furniture, and chairs dating back to the 1980s, all carefully preserved.

“They even have old VHS tapes of episodes that haven’t been digitised yet. It’s incredible. I think most people don’t realise just how much history was made in that studio and on that show. It’s truly remarkable.”

Zoe went on to share some bizarre rules she had to follow on set, revealing: “You can’t actually talk, so you have to mime.

“For example, if you’re opposite someone or asked to have a conversation on set, you just can’t speak. It’s probably common on all shows, but in party scenes, for instance, they don’t play the music, so you have to dance without it. It can feel a bit awkward.

“Another thing is that you really have to be very quiet and not make any noise, which is kind of funny when you think about it. Those would probably be some of the little secrets about being on set that people don’t usually notice.”

Moving on to clothing, Zoe added: “As an extra, it depends on your role. If you are part of the main background, like a work guard or a specific set role, they usually provide your costume. If you are just a regular member of the community in a scene, they might give you clothes or accessories.

“If not, they will send a brief to your manager or directly to you if you do not have one, explaining what you can and cannot wear.

“Generally, they avoid patterns like polka dots or anything too busy. They prefer plain clothing with no logos, and you definitely cannot wear anything that could be copyrighted.”

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website

TIKTOK sensation DJ AG once earned an entire year’s salary in just one month after going viral on the app.

DJ AG, whose given name is Ashley Gordon, is best known for his live-streamed DJ sets outside London King’s Cross station which have attracted some of the biggest stars in the world.

He now performs all over the country and has been joined by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora, Will Smith, Skepta, Daniel Bedingfield, Craig David and Idris Elba. Even supermodel Naomi Campbell.

Even former British Vogue editor Edward Enninful dropped by for a surprise visit once.

Now, DJ AG has revealed how much he rakes in every month, but also got real about how much work it takes to be a TikTok star.

“What I’m earning now is circa £4,000 a month if I’m lucky,” he explained during a recent appearance on the In My Opinion podcast.

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“Prior to that I was monetising on TikTok and doing very well,” he continued, and confirmed there were some months when he earned more than £40,000.

“People don’t know how TikTok works, it’s not just posting content. You can go live, you can do co-host battles with people and that’s a call to action, people will support you with gifting.”

DJ AG also earns money on TikTok by doing ‘forfeit challenges,’ where two content creators go head-to-head and the loser has to undertake an intense dare.

“I was bantering and people were enjoying the content so people were gifting, and I earned a good amount of money,” he said.

“Maybe in one month, I earned more than a year’s salary.”

He explained he is earning less from TikTok now because he’s only doing the outdoor DJ sets and there’s no “call to action” to encourage people to send monetary gifts.

DJ AG said he was happy to talk about his earnings because he wanted to be honest with up-and-coming content creators, not only about the financial gains, but also the huge amount of work that goes in to being a hip hop star.

“People don’t understand the amount of hours I had to do, like 15 hours a day every day,” he said.

“In my opinion, it’s important to be transparent especially for the youth that are coming through so they understand what the opportunities are.”

People who post on TikTok have the opportunity to join the TikTok Creator Fund, which pays content creators for their views.

To join the program TikTokers must be 18 or older, have a minimum of 10,000 followers, a minimum of 100,000 views within 30 days of uploading the video, and run an account that follows TikTok Community Guidelines.

While it is not a grant or ad revenue program, the Creator Fund provides payment to qualified TikTokers based on a “variety of factors” across their content.

“We want all creators to have the opportunity to earn money doing what they love and turn their passion into a livelihood,” the website continues.

With no limit on the number of qualified TikTokers who can join the fund, payments may increase or decrease at different times throughout one’s run on the platform.

Some factors affecting the funds a qualified TikToker may earn include the number of authentic views per video, the amount of engagement, and whether or not the work falls within the Community Guidelines.

The celebrity chef opened up about his beloved grandmother Marjorie who died before seeing him star in a show she was a ‘huge fan’ of

James Martin has shared a poignant family revelation that he admits leaves him with “sadness”. The 52-year-old chef first gained recognition as part of the Ready Steady Cook team.

Since then, he’s featured across numerous television programmes including the likes of Housecall and Entertaining with James. In 2006 he joined Saturday Kitchen, presenting the weekend programme for a decade.

Throughout his professional journey, James has relied upon his family’s steadfast support, particularly from his devoted grandmother Marjorie, who he says tuned into every programme he featured in.

Tragically, she passed away before James appeared on one specific show that she was a “huge fan” of. In conversation with Candis magazine, he revealed: “Mum is my biggest fan and the most honest person I know. My granny, Marjorie, also watched everything I did.”

He continued: “She was a huge fan of Strictly and it’s a sadness to me that she didn’t live long enough to see me take part in 2005.”

James took part in the third series of Strictly Come Dancing, where he was paired with professional dancer Camilla Dallerup. He secured fourth place behind radio presenter Zoe Ball, with Olympian Colin Jackson finishing runner-up and cricketer Darren Gough claiming the Glitterball Trophy.

James, who grew up on a farm in North Yorkshire, attributes his culinary passion to his grandmother’s influence. In a 2011 Mirror interview, he recalled enjoying fresh produce from his grandparents’ allotment during his childhood.

The chef even credits his grandparents with nurturing his passion for cooking, backing him when he secured a position in a local kitchen before attending culinary school. He said: “My grandmother was a huge influence in my life and inadvertently inspired me to be a chef.

“She baked and cooked, and she was just wonderful. If I could be 10% of what she was, I’d be a lucky man.

“As a boy, my most vivid memories are of helping her dig up potatoes fresh from her allotment, then boiling them up with some mint. If someone asks you what your most memorable meal was, it’s seldom something you had in a restaurant, it’s what you ate at home as a kid, isn’t it?”.

He added: “I remember going shopping with her and watching her buy bacon and crusty white bread. You’d just see her backside as she disappeared into the shelf, reaching right to the back for the freshest loaf, squeezing them until she found it.

“When we got home she’d grill the bacon on one of those old enamel gas cookers with red buttons. It would take ages to warm up and cook, and the room would fill with the smell of cooking fat.”

James returns to television with James Martin’s Saturday Morning from 9.30am today (March 14). Joining him will be vocalist and television presenter Jane McDonald alongside chefs Judy Joo and Curtis Stone plus mixologist Merlin Griffiths.

AUSTIN, Texas — One of the most anticipated events at this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival wasn’t a movie at all, but a speaking appearance by director Steven Spielberg. The talk, a live taping of the podcast “The Big Picture” lead by co-host Sean Fennessey, covered many aspects of the Hollywood legend’s career, with a through line of sci-fi and space aliens in conjunction with Spielberg’s upcoming alien invasion thriller “Disclosure Day,” due June 12.

Though no real details about the new film were revealed, references to it peppered the conversation as if it were very much on Spielberg’s mind — the film he was ostensibly there to promote.

To an audience that included filmmakers Robert Rodriguez and Daniel Kwan, the event began with a clip reel that served as a reminder (as if anyone in the packed hotel ballroom needed one) of just how influential the 79-year-old filmmaker is. A selection of Spielberg’s work plays like a trailer for the idea of movies themselves; this one included “Jaws,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “E.T.” “Schindler’s List,” “Jurassic Park,” “The Sugarland Express,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “Munich” and many more.

Fennessey noted that Spielberg wanted to make 1977’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” his first sci-fi movie about the existence of aliens from other worlds, even before making 1975’s “Jaws.” Spielberg went further, saying he had actually wanted to make “Close Encounters” — then just referred to as “The UFO Movie” — even before 1974’s “Sugarland Express.”

Asked about President Obama’s recent comments about the possible existence of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe and how his own feelings may have evolved over the years, Spielberg said, “I think that for one thing, when President Obama made that comment, I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is so great for “Disclosure Day,”’ and then, two days later, he stepped back the comment and said what he believed in was life in the cosmos, which of course everybody should believe that because no one should ever think that we are the only intelligent civilization in the entire universe. So I’ve always believed, even as a kid, that we were not alone. So that just goes without saying. The big question is: Are we alone now?”

He added this interest was “reinvigorated” by a 2017 New York Times article about U.S. Navy pilots seeing unexplained aerial phenomenon, then by a 2023 Congressional subcommittee hearing on the topic.

“I don’t know any more than any of you do,” Spielberg said, “but I have a very strong, sticky suspicion that we are not alone here on Earth right now. And I made a movie about that.”

Spielberg and “The Big Picture” co-host Sean Fennessey taping a live podcast at SXSW on Friday.

(Tibrina Hobson / Getty Images)

As to how he feels about that possibility, Spielberg added, “I’m not afraid of any aliens, there or here. I have no fears about that, whatsoever. I think our movie does take into consideration, without giving too much away, the social dislocation that could occur, theologically, if it would be announced that there’s evidence — not only evidence, where it’s interaction that’s has been going on for decades, that we are not just now finding out about. It is going to cause a disruption in a lot of belief systems, but I don’t think it’s a lethal disruption at all.”

Among other topics that were discussed, Spielberg revealed he is developing a western that would shoot in Texas, though he was reluctant to discuss it in any further detail except to say it would contain “no tropes.”

He also said he is not on any social media, but did install Instagram on his phone once for two weeks and felt as if he had been abducted by aliens for the amount of time he lost.

To that end, he also noted, with comic frustration, how he himself has never had any sort of alien encounter.

”I made a movie called ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’ I haven’t even had a close encounter of the first or second kind,” Spielberg said. “Where’s the justice in that? If you’re listening out there, I’m talking to you.”

There was a brief moment of confusion when Fennessey asked Spielberg for his thoughts on AI and Spielberg wasn’t clear if he was asking about his own 2001 movie or the broader topic of artificial intelligence.

Once that was cleared up (Fennessey meant the latter, a serious labor issue in Hollywood), Spielberg noted he has not used AI on any of his own films. “I don’t want to go into a whole rant about AI because I am for AI in many different disciplines. I am not for AI if it replaces a creative individual.”

Speaking to the theatrical experience, Spielberg made a brief allusion to the flare-up around comments by Timothée Chalamet regarding the popularity of opera and ballet in relation to the movies.

He noted that he does not decry the at-home streaming experience and that he works with Netflix, but that “for me, the real experience comes when we can influence a community to congregate in a strange dark space. All us are strangers and, at the end of a really good movie experience, we are all united with a whole bunch of feelings that we walk into the daylight with or into the nighttime with. And there’s nothing like that. I mean, it happens in movies, it happens at concerts and it happens in ballet and opera.”

Here there was a round of applause from the audience. “And we want that sustained and we want that to go forever.”

Spielberg noted how many of his favorite filmmakers, including David Lean and Billy Wilder and more recent examples such as Paul Thomas Anderson and Christopher Nolan, are always making films that feel different from what they have done before. He sees himself as part of that same school.

“If we’re just not making the same sequel over and over and over again and they’re not the same Marvel title over and over and over again, we all get a real chance to experience something, which is freshness,” Spielberg said. “And that is why I don’t judge my accomplishments based on a single film.”

The Apprentice star Kieran McCartney has candidly opened up on his drug addiction, admitting he would spend £400-£500 a week on cocaine

A favourite on The Apprentice has candidly revealed he battled a cocaine addiction and was left with suicidal thoughts. Kieran McCartney opened up on his £500-a-week drug addiction – and the one call that allowed him to change his life.

The TV contestant, who worked as an estate agent, revealed he used his work phone to message dealers in East London during company time – both before and after his time on the BBC show. And he has revealed he “probably wouldn’t be here”if it wasn’t for his mother.

He revealed how his friendship group dwindled as pals grew embarrassed by how he was behaving on drugs or alcohol. But he confessed Lord Alan Sugar’s “you’re fired” catchphrase proved to him that he was able to give it up.

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He admitted he would splurge £400-£500 on cocaine on a weekly basis, spending hours in the pub five times a week. Speaking to The Sun, Kieran said: “It always came if I had a few drinks. I couldn’t drink without doing it. I’d maybe have four pints. Then I might have a little bit. And then have another four pints.”

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He confessed that he would sometimes find himself still up in the early hours despite having work the next day. He admitted he would feel “awful” but would always go to work.

Kieran denies ever using the drug while filming the reality TV show. And he blasted those who said he looked “wired” during the series.

“The Apprentice was an amazing experience — mentally very stressful,” he said. “But I’m in a good place now. It didn’t even cross my mind once. I would have loved a beer, absolutely. It was summertime. It was hot.

“But drugs? No. Definitely not. I had about 200 cigarettes on me when I went into the house. That was it.” And he told those online to stop and “don’t judge a book by its cover”.

Fans of the show are watching as he continues his bid to get the deal with Lord Sugar. Before appearing on the show, the estate agent said he wanted to rehabilitate his profession’s reputation.

To do so, he said he needed Lord Sugar’s investment to help him to branch out on his own. He said at the time: “I know the property game inside out.

“The wins, the pressure, and the graft it takes to succeed. But now it’s time to stop building someone else’s business and start building my own.”

*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.

*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

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