SHOW BIZ

JANE Fallon has shared a new health update just days after undergoing surgery amid her breast cancer battle.

The author, who is the partner of Ricky Gervais, told fans earlier this month that she was suffering with breast cancer, despite having no symptoms before the diagnosis.

Now, Jane has revealed the positive news that the surgeons have “basically got it all”.

She said in a clip shared to her X account: “The surgeon said I can lift some weights so I’m starting with this one,” as she picked up her cat.

“Just a little update, all is good, yesterday I had my follow up and they have basically got it all.”

Jane explained that she will be having another procedure to ensure that they have removed “everything”.

“What they haven’t got is a clear margin around the edge of what they have taken so I am going to have to have another op,” she continued.

“It will be just to make sure they get everything, which is a bit of a pain, but it isn’t a worry they just need to make sure they have a clear margin, so will be the exact same operation as last time.”

Opening up about her second operation, Jane said she is feeling more confident especially as the recovery has been better than she expected.

She shared: “But I do know now that the recovery is so much easier than I thought it was going to be, this is me 10 days later. 

“It’s a pain but not a worry at all [having a second op].

“So it’s good and hopefully next week I will hear after Easter to get it out of the way and then will have to wait for that to be tested and see where we are. 

“Meanwhile I’m going to try and get a few workouts in and carry my cat around.”

Jane admitted she was “lucky” she was diagnosed “so early” and that is it important for women to get screened. 

She wrote in her caption: “(Mostly) good update: Things I forgot to say in the video: I’m still getting fabulous treatment.

“And I know how lucky I am to have had my diagnosis so early – from a routine mammogram with absolutely no symptoms.

“I’ve had so many conversations with lovely people who’ve come up to me in the street in the last couple of weeks & told me their own personal experiences, and it’s totally rammed home both how different it is for everyone and also how important screening and early diagnosis really is.

“Oh, and as Tamoxifen is one of the options being debated for me I wanted to ask if anyone has experience and how the side effects were.

“I’ve read they can be rough.”

Jane has been with comedian Ricky for over 40 years, with the couple meeting back in 1982.

She is known for career as an author, having penned books such as Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Queen Bee, Worst Idea Ever, and Faking Friends. 

Revealing her breast cancer diagnosis earlier this month, Jane assured fans not to “panic” and said her prognosis was “excellent”.

She said on Instagram: “About a month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer – very early stage thankfully & the prognosis is excellent.

“I had a routine mammogram a week before Christmas. I had no symptoms but the brilliant radiographer spotted something iffy & sent me for further tests & eventually a biopsy.

“Since then I’ve had more mammograms, more biopsies and an MRI so they can pinpoint the problem area precisely. It’s been a lot, I’m not going to lie.”

The star added that she has been under “incredible” care.

The One Show has been hit with a schedule shake-up

Fans will have to wait longer for the next instalment of The One Show.

The popular BBC chat show won’t be airing on Bank Holiday Monday (April 6), though viewers don’t need to worry as it will return to its usual slot on Tuesday (April 7) evening.

During Friday’s (April 6) episode, hosts JB Gill and Angellica Bell were back on our screens, welcoming a string of guests to the iconic sofa.

The presenting pair were joined by Strictly Come Dancing professionals Kai Widdrington and Jowita Przystał, who dished out the latest gossip on what fans can expect from the Strictly Pro Tour.

Also settling into the sofa were Patsy Kensit and Jayne Middlemiss, who opened up about their deeply emotional journey on BBC Two’s Pilgrimage, reports Wales Online.

As the programme drew to a close, Angellica confirmed the show would be returning to screens on Tuesday.

Bidding farewell to viewers, JB said: “Well that’s all we’ve got time for tonight thank you so much to all our guests.”

Angellica then chipped in, adding: “We will be back on Tuesday and we’ve got a whole host of fabulous guests joining us throughout the week.”

The pair gave no explanation for Monday’s absent episode, though we assume that the team is enjoying a well-earned Easter break.

This comes as I’m A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin was quick to issue an apology after seemingly letting slip a “spoiler” ahead of the South Africa spin-off. In the lead-up to the programme, the star appeared on Thursday’s (April 3) episode of The One Show alongside co-host Dec, giving viewers a glimpse of what awaits in this series.

Yet within moments of their conversation starting, Ant felt compelled to apologise as he questioned: “am I saying too much?”

Angellica was keen to discover more about the camp dynamics, asking: “I heard there is some drama.” Ant appeared to let slip a teaser as he responded: “This series gives you everything. There is drama, there’s arguments.. Am I saying too much? Fight… Am I saying too much? I’m sorry, ITV. There is everything, it’s on another level. It’s a must watch.”

The all-stars edition of the beloved ITV reality series is due to return on Monday (April 6) evening, as former campmates head into the South African bush to battle it out for the coveted title of Legend of the Jungle.

The latest series was filmed late last year and is packed with drama, stomach-churning trials, and naturally, no shortage of creepy crawlies.

The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer

REGGIE Watts has shared a touching tribute in memory of his late partner, Katherine Early McCollough.

The comedian and TV star, who is best known for appearing on the Late Late Show with James Corden, was with girlfriend Katherine for two years before her sad death at age 36.

Sharing the news to Instagram, Reggie wrote: “Katherine, I will miss you so much. I know you were in pain, and while I tried everything I could to reflect the light you brought into this world, the sorrow became too much to overcome.

“You changed my life. You opened up my vulnerability and taught me how to receive love from someone so close.

“We built a life together, went on adventures, and we took chances together.

“You had a natural radiance that people could feel from so far away – a light you carried despite the difficult path you walked from childhood.”

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Continuing to his 407K followers, Reggie heartbreakingly shared how he “understood” his girlfriend’s “need for peace”.

He wrote: “I’ve been processing so much. I know you can hear me, and I honour the intentionality of your journey. You planned your time in Lima beautifully – the coast, the art, the meals shared with a friend.

“While it is so difficult for those of us left behind, I understand your need for peace.”

“There is so much of you still around me in the house we shared. You were a vital part of my transformation.

“I’m so grateful for everything we shared, and I will hold the light you gave me forever.”

Signing off the post, Reggie asked Katherine to say hello to his late mother, penning: “You never got to meet her, but I know she would have been so happy to see how kind you were to me.

“You took care of me in a way I know she always wanted for me.

“I love you, Katherine. I always will. You are a part of me, as you always have been.”

Reggie added two beautiful pictures of Katherine to his tribute.

Following her death, Katherine’s friends have been raising money via a GoFundMe, to cover the costs of shipping her body from Maine to her home state of South Carolina.

At the time of publishing, the fund has raised $30.6K of its $40K target.

The Great British Menu judge Tom Kerridge has shared an insight into life with his rugby-loving son Acey, describing the youngster as a ‘monster’ and an ‘absolute unit’

Tom Kerridge says he has “monstrous fireworks” with son Acey as he shared a candid family insight. Tom, 52, shares 12-year-old son Acey with wife Beth Cullen-Kerridge.

Beth is a sculptor by trade and last year took part in two shows in the United States. While Tom says rugby-loving Acey, who still attends the local state primary school, is like a “mini me”.

The two share a love of motorbikes and a passion for cooking. Tom has previously described Acey as an “absolute unit” and revealed he could deadlift 80kg by the time he was aged nine.

Tom, who grew up in a single-parent household in Wiltshire, says he is “learning to be a dad”. It comes as he opened up about his relationship with young Acey.

Speaking to The Times, Tom said: “We have monstrous fireworks but we also have the best laughs. The best way I can describe my relationship with him is I am like his big brother, just with money.

“So we will play the same games. We’ll do daft things. And then we’ll fall out like brothers as opposed to a father and son relationship.

“I grew up in a single-parent family so I’m learning to be a dad at the same time as he’s learning to be a son. I haven’t got anything to base it on so we’re both learning as we go along. And I think so far we’re doing all right.”

Tom has previously explained that Acey found his “space” on the rugby pitch. Although the chef says he has a “red mist” and “hates losing,” taking inspiration from former England star Joe Marler.

Speaking on the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner podcast, Tom said: “My son is an absolute unit, rugby is his space, rugby is his game, rugby is where he is going to go. He plays number one, number three.

“He suffers from red mist. We have a conversation about it quite a lot, he can be the most gentle, wonderful human but he’s also got this streak of, he hates losing, he has a temperament that explodes and I love that, I try to control, to enhance it.

“My son is unnaturally strong, he’s nine years old but he can deadlift 80 kilos, he’s a monster and Joe is his hero. Joe is the greatest thing that’s ever been.”

Tom also says that his arguments with Acey drive Beth “nuts”. On the Rugby Lives podcast Tom disclosed that young Acey mirrors many of his characteristics.

When questioned if his son ‘takes after him’, Tom responds: “Yeah, in a lot of ways, he does massively and it drives my wife nuts because sometimes just like, two of us. And we do fall out quite a lot because we argue about the same thing and it’s almost like having an argument with yourself and then afterwards we both laugh about it.”

Tom will return to screens from 7pm tonight (April 3) with The Great British Menu on BBC Two. This week’s episode will see the top two chefs from Northern Ireland cooking a six-course meal in a bid to impress the judges, including Tom, Great British Menu Champion of Champions Lorna McNee, and comedian Phil Wang.

EMOTIONAL Kelsey Parker has confessed “her pain will never go away” as she opened up on grief on the fourth anniversary of her husband Tom’s death.

Kelsey unexpectedly found herself a widow at age 32 after her late husband Tom Parker from the boyband The Wanted tragically died.

The famous singer passed away in March 2022 at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Kelsey has been open with fans on grief and juggling life as a mum – her and Tom have two children together, Aurelia and Bodhi.

Speaking on the Cbeebies HQ Parenting Helpline podcast, Kelsey shared how she’s been dealing with the grief of losing her husband four years ago.

Addressing a parent in a similar situation, Kelsey said: “Your pain is never going to go away. That pain is never gonna go away. What you learn to do is live around your pain.”

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“It makes me emotional talking about it.”

Kelsey continued: “I am grieving and I am getting out of bed and I am being a parent because I have no other choice.”

Recalling the day Tom died, she said: ” I told the kids I need to go to the hospice to make sure that the angels come for daddy today, so that’s when I knew he was gonna die.

“He’s never coming back we will never see him again.”

Talking to Tom in his last days, Kelsey remembered saying: “I said ‘I know you’ve put me on this path and I will walk this path for you now, and I will do everything to bring your children up the way you wanted to bring your children up’.”

The motivational speaker told podcast host Holly Hagan that she had no choice but to get up everyday and be a mum – her kids needed her.

She explained they were obviously going “mummy, mummy can you come make me breakfast? and Kelsey said she’s not going to turn around and say, “no I’m grieving. I’m devastated your dad’s died.”

Despite having dealt with grief so young, Kelsey felt her kids had developed strong resilience.

Geordie Shore‘s Holly captioned the podcast clip: “This episode with the fabulous @being_kelsey was so incredibly empowering. It actually ran over about an hour because we just could not stop talking.”

Since the death of her husband Kelsey has become host of the Mums The World podcast and a motivational speaker diving into the world of unexpected grief.

Kelsey has also found love again with tree surgeon, Will Lindsay, after hard-launching their relationship back in September 2024.

KELLY Osbourne has sparked fresh romance rumours after sharing snaps of her supposed new hairdresser partner.

The TV star, 41, took to Instagram to post photos of Kiinicki, 37, just weeks after her shock split from fiancé Sid Wilson.

According to the Mail, the pair were previously spotted “all over each other” at a party following the break-up.

Kelly then reposted a striking selfie of Kiinicki, who uses they/them pronouns, alongside a thinking face emoji.

She shared the candid snap of Kiinicki posing at an event, joking: “buy one, get one @leandraearl” with a winking emoji.

The Mail reports the pair were seen getting close at an exclusive after-party for Lily Allen’s gigs at the London Palladium.

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Kelly was said to be giggling with her possible new partner in a hidden-away corner among the plush sofas of the luxurious Broadwick Hotel in Soho last month.

According to the publication, the pair also have matching tattoos of a crescent half moon with a tooth, which they got together in the US.

The ink was done in the same month the reality star was last publicly seen with her ex-fiancé on the red carpet at the Grammys.

Kiinicki is a Los Angeles-based barber and creative behind the brand Hella Good Hair.

Kelly wouldn’t be the first star to fall for their hairdresser – with Davina McCall and Mel B both finding love this way.

The daughter of Sharon Osbourne and late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne recently parted ways from Sid Wilson just seven months after his proposal.

Slipknot rocker Sid got down on one knee after more than three years of dating, with the couple welcoming their son Sidney together in November 2022.

He proposed backstage in an intimate moment watched by her famous parents as the family attended Ozzy’s last-ever Black Sabbath gig.

But all was not as it seemed, with the pair having since called off their engagement.

A source told the Mail: “In truth, she and Sid have been facing challenges in their relationship for some time, and things were not as they appeared.”

Last week, Kelly left fans curious after posting a cryptic Instagram reel about “abuse” to her stories.

While she did not explain the post, it came just a week after her split from Sid, 48, was revealed.

“Kelly and Sid have decided to call off their engagement,” a source told the Mail.

“Kelly has been struggling following the loss of her father. The grieving process has been incredibly difficult, and she’s been doing everything she can to cope.

“They tried to make it work, particularly for the sake of their child, but ultimately decided that separating is the best path forward.”

The TV personality has also opened up about her grief, saying: “I am ill right now.”

Kelly’s dad, Ozzy Osbourne, died on July 22, 2025, following a series of health battles including Parkinson’s disease.

Supriya Ganesh is leaving HBO medical drama The Pitt at the end of season two

The Pitt is set to lose one of its leading stars at the conclusion of season two.

American actress Supriya Ganesh, who portrays Dr. Samira Mohan in the popular HBO series, is apparently departing the medical drama despite being a key character since the programme’s inception, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Here’s everything you need to know about the reported departure from the HBO show.

Why is Supriya Ganesh leaving The Pitt as Dr Samira Mohan?

Her exit is understood to be a “story-driven decision”, according to an “individual with knowledge of the situation” as reported by Variety.

The publication further notes that as the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center operates as a teaching hospital, it’s common practice to have a rotating cast of characters as medical staff arrive and depart.

Season two also dedicated considerable attention to Dr Mohan’s professional journey as she contemplated her next steps following the completion of her residency.

According to IMDb, the star appears in 29 of The Pitt’s 30 episodes across both seasons, making her departure all the more significant.

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Actress Ganesh, who previously had minor roles in programmes including Grown-ish, Billions and Chicago Med before securing The Pitt, has yet to address the news on social media.

Alongside her departure, Ayesha Harris – recognised by Pitt viewers as senior night shift resident Dr. Parker Ellis – has now allegedly been promoted to series regular status for the upcoming season.

Actress Harris has featured in productions including Netflix’s Glamorous with Kim Cattrall, Daisy Jones and The Six on Prime Video, alongside roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Matlock.

She has starred across eight episodes spanning two seasons of The Pitt. HBO commissioned a third season of The Pitt prior to the second season’s debut back in January this year.

The Pitt has been developed by R. Scott Gemmill, with John Wells and lead star Noah Wyle serving as executive producers.

This represents the second partnership between the trio, who previously collaborated on the hugely successful ER.

The series follows Wyle’s Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch as he commences a shift at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center’s emergency room, commonly referred to as ‘The Pitt’.

Each instalment chronicles one hour of his shift as he confronts different patients and scenarios, navigating various challenges and administrative matters that arise throughout.

The Pitt has garnered considerable acclaim for its authenticity and maintaining emphasis on the medical drama realm rather than interpersonal relationships amongst staff, unlike comparable programmes.

Season three is anticipated to comprise another 15 episodes documenting Robby’s most recent shift.

A 10-month interval separated seasons one and two, though it remains unclear whether there will be another temporal gap before the third series.

Wyle secured Best Actor in a Drama Series at the Critics Choice Awards and stated in his acceptance speech, according to Deadline: “I can’t even tell you how moved I am.

“I owe everybody at this table everything: from my partner [R.] Scott Gemmill, to Sarah Aubrey and Joey Chavez at HBO Max, to everybody at Warner Bros, to my beautiful wife Sara [Wells], to my costars, to my cowriters, to the directors who make the show, to our crew, to our cast.”

The Pitt season 1 is streaming on HBO Max UK now and season 2 episodes are airing weekly on Thursdays

MEL B has shut down rumours the Spice Girls will reunite to mark the 30th anniversary of Wannabe.

The singer has quashed speculation the band will get back together to celebrate three decades since their debut hit.

Wannabe was released in June 1996, with debut album Spice following that September.

Mel has now confirmed a reunion is not on the cards, disappointing millions fans who had hoped the milestone would bring the group back together.

She reunited with Geri Horner, Emma Bunton and Melanie Chisholm for a string of stadium shows in 2019, although  Victoria Beckham did not take part.

Speaking to HELLO!, Mel said: “I can tell you it’s not happening. If it does, it’ll be a shock to me, let’s put it that way.”

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Reflecting on the last tour, she added: “When I look at that and at the feeling it gave me, I was in my element, but there comes a time… I’m 50.

“You can’t be nagging everyone to go on tour if they don’t want to. I laid that to rest when I turned 50.”

Asked if she would return to the stage if the others signed up, Mel admitted she is unsure.

The 50-year-old said, “I honestly don’t know. I’ve got a lot of respect and love for those girls. I wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for me being part of the Spice Girls.

“They’ve done a lot for me as a person and in my life. I’ve got fond memories, but I don’t know if I would want to go back up on stage.”

She added: “I can’t even begin to tell you what our bond is – it’s just something that will always be there.

“We’re like family; our umbilical cords are all tied together.”

For now, fans may have to settle for a potential Netflix documentary, in the style of recent Beckham projects.

Mel said: “I think we’ve all been asked and we’re all thinking about it at some point.

“But it has to be done in the right way, and it has to be honest – and not everybody wants to be honest.”

A planned Netflix drama based on the group was shelved last month amid tensions in the group.

Reports in 2024 claimed Geri had concerns about the deal, which is said would have netted the girls a cool £1 million each.  

Sources also alleged tensions between Geri and Mel are making any Spice Girls comeback nearly impossible.

The infamous rift exploded in 2019, after Mel sensationally claimed that she had a secret fling with Geri during the band’s early years in an interview on Piers Morgan’s show.

Geri denied the claim, saying that Mel ‘dreamed it up’ to sell more copies of her Brutally Honest biography.

The Sun told last April how Geri, 53, was back in touch with the band’s former manager Simon Fuller and had flown out to Miami to try and agree on a deal.

As recently as January, Mel C had insisted they were still in active discussions about celebrating the milestone.

And even Victoria, 51, had prompted hopes she could return to the group, saying she “loves” the idea of a residency at Las Vegas venue Sphere.

The Spice Girls have not performed together as a five-piece since the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.

BLAKE Lively has broken her silence after a judge threw out most of her claims against Justin Baldoni.

Ten of the 13 claims Lively, 38, filed against Baldoni, 42, were thrown out on Thursday, April 2, by a judge.

The claims relating to harassment, defamation and conspiracy follow conflict while the pair filmed the 2024 Colleen Hoover adaptation It Ends With Us.

The remaining claims against Baldoni’s company Wayfarer Studios, which include breach of contract and retaliation, will move forward to trial.

“This case has always been and will remain focused on the devasting [sic] retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial,” said Sigrid McCawley, member of Lively’s legal team, told PEOPLE.

“For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they’ve targeted.

“She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.”

District Judge Lewis Liman said Lively sued under California law but the alleged wrongful conduct took place elsewhere.

He also cited other issues in the cases, such as the fact that Lively had not signed an agreement that would have governed sexual harassment on set.

The judge said the actress could pursue her retaliation claims, among others, against Baldoni’s studio.

“Sexual harassment isn’t going forward not because the defendants did nothing wrong but because the court determined Blake Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee, said McCawley.

Justin Baldoni responds to judge throwing out case

“We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel,” said Baldoni’s attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach to The Daily Mail.

“These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.

“What’s left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.”

Lively claimed that Baldoni kissed her during a scene where the script didn’t call for it and said he entered her trailer while she breastfed.

The actress also claimed that Baldoni tried to harm her reputation after she asserted he had created a problematic work environment.

Baldoni claimed Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, tried to tarnish his reputation, engaged in extortion, and hijacked creative control of the romance film.

Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake was dismissed by a judge in November.

The pair will now appear in court on May 18 in New York.

Legal representatives for both have said Baldoni and Lively both plan to testify.

As “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” lands in theaters, coloring stations, collectible popcorn containers and mascot Marios are all in place to entice arguably the most prized moviegoers to Hollywood today: kids.

By Sunday, Universal Pictures expects the five-day opening of the “Super Mario” sequel to reach $186 million domestically, and around $350 million worldwide. That would make it easily the biggest hit of the year, surpassing a pair of successes that also launched with young moviegoers in mind: Pixar’s “Hoppers” ($297 million worldwide) and Amazon MGM’s “Project Hail Mary” ($300.8 million).

It’s not the start of a new trend but the culmination of one. In 2024, PG-rated movies outgrossed any other rating for the first time in decades, with $3.18 billion in domestic ticket sales according to Comscore. Five of the top six movies worldwide were PG movies: “Inside Out 2,” “Moana 2,” “Despicable Me 4,” “Wicked” and “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

Last year was no different. PG-rated films amassed $2.96 billion, again besting the longtime leader, PG-13. The top draws globally were “Ne Zha 2,” “Zootopia 2,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “A Minecraft Movie” and the PG-13-rated but not exactly kid-adverse “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”

Good news has been hard to come by in Hollywood. Contraction, most recently with Paramount Skydance’s planned purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery, has added to the anxieties of an already jittery industry. While ticket sales are up so far in 2026, they remain more than 20% below pre-pandemic levels. In February, AMC, the nation’s largest exhibitor, said it would continue to shutter underperforming theaters.

But despite a lot of talk about the imperiled future of moviegoing, future moviegoers — kids — are turning out in droves.

“There’s a recognition that this is an increasingly important group of movie fans and we’re doing everything we can to make sure their experience is wonderful,” says Michael O’Leary, president and chief executive of Cinema United, the trade group for theater owners.

Gen Alpha, those aged 12 or younger, may even be the movies’ best hope. A study last year by the National Research Group found that no generational group wanted to watch movies on the big screen, as opposed to at home, more than Gen Alpha.

“We’re emboldened by some of the research that indicates younger folks are the fastest growing demographic of people going to the movies,” O’Leary says. “We’re very much focused on the fact that we have to build the next generation of movie fans.”

Mario, Minions and more

In 2023, “The Super Mario Movie,” part of Universal’s collaboration with Nintendo and “Minions”-maker Illumination, grossed $1.36 billion. Its sequel is likely to get close to that, and add to a mounting string of $1 billion kids movies. The most recent was The Walt Disney Co.’s “Zootopia 2,” which became the highest-grossing Hollywood animated film of all time with a whopping $1.87 billion.

Increasingly, a generation that grew up with smartphones, iPads and Netflix is propelling today’s biggest blockbusters.

“What’s been true for a long time and is maybe even truer today: Families want to be out,” says Jim Orr, distribution chief for Universal, which recently announced the expansion of its exclusive theatrical window from three weekends to five. “They want to do things. They want to make memories.”

“No one talks about: Remember that great time when we sat on the couch?”

And this year may be the most kid-catered year at the movies yet. There are 26 wide-release PG movies slated for 2026, up from 24 in 2025 and 18 in 2024.

That includes a summer lineup that’s family friendly on a nearly week-to-week basis. Potential blockbusters lined up include “Toy Story 5” (June 19), “Minions & Monsters” (July 1) and the live-action “Moana” (July 10). Though currently unrated, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” (May 22) and “Supergirl” (June 26), not to mention “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (July 31), will all also target young moviegoers.

A PG comeback

The PG surge comes several years after most family movies detoured to streaming during the pandemic, a shift that some, at the time, feared would become permanent.

“The family film has literally come back from near-extinction,” says Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends for Comscore. “The one genre that really took a major hit with the pandemic was the family film.”

But kids increasingly count among a key category for theaters: the habitual moviegoer. That’s considered going to six or more movies a year. And it’s not just younger kids. Last year, 41% of Gen Z moviegoers went to the movies at least six times, according to NRG, up from 31% two years earlier.

For cinephiles who have long feared movie theaters effectively turning into mini theme parks, the predominance of kid-oriented franchise blockbusters is unlikely to allay those concerns. Mid-budget, adult releases are increasingly rare. Dramas and comedies have struggled to attract audiences. Family-friendly movies occupying a bigger slice of cinemas is partially because adult moviegoing has waned.

But if older moviegoers are harder to coax away from the couch, families have been more eager. For them, the appeal of getting out of the house, despite rising ticket costs or the options on streaming services, is as strong as ever.

“In many instances, they’re going to the theater to get away from all of the other screens that inhabit their lives,” says O’Leary. “When I was a kid, you went to the movies, in part, to escape from something. So it’s a new variation on that old theme.”

Dergarabedian has taken to calling PG the new PG-13. If slightly adult-leaning movies once occupied the center of the multiplex, that territory now belongs to the PG movie.

“The kids that are going to the movies today are going to take their kids tomorrow,” Dergarabedian says. “As long as people keep making kids, the future of the movie theater experience is assured.”

Coyle writes for the Associated Press.

ARLO PARKS’ third album is a reset, inspired by the nightlife, freedom and spontaneity she missed out on when she broke through as a teenager. 

For Ambiguous Desire, the London-born singer-songwriter wanted to escape from way she had created songs in the past.  

Arlo, 25, says: “I wanted this to be from ground zero and exactly how I feel now, while I’m really living. 

“When I got to the end of the cycle for my second record, My Soft Machine, I was like, ‘OK, I want to see what it’s like when I DECIDE the path of my days’.  

“I wanted to spend more time in nocturnal spaces, making friends with DJs, club organisers and people in different collectives, and getting inspired by exploring the subcultures and the history and the architecture of those spaces. That’s what was fascinating.” 

Using voicenotes, journal entries and memories from nights out, the Mercury Prize winner’s intimate album is rooted in storytelling.  

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She says: “For this record, my mantra was to write it exactly how it felt.  

“In the past, I was focused on making things as beautiful and poetic as possible, but this time I stripped it right back to the lean truth of it, and that felt more authentic.  

“I also wanted to bring in those references exactly as I heard them, without softening the edges or maybe adding guitars to bring it into the indie world. 

“I wanted it to be inspired by house and garage, the music I’ve been loving. It was just about being true to myself.” 

This raw approach to songwriting runs through 12-track Ambiguous Desire. 

Arlo, real name Anais Marinho, says: “I wanted to make the music feel exciting and dynamic, so the song Jetta is just a voicenote in an Uber with my friends from one of those nights. 

“It’s the sound and the stories of people. Even the vinyl cover and the inserts are photos I took of my friends on nights out.” 

I chat to Arlo at her London record label office the day before she flies back to LA, which has been her home for the past four years. 

Arlo, who won the Brit Breakthrough Artist Award in 2021, following the success of her debut album Collapsed In Sunbeams, says: “LA does feel like home, but London will always BE home.  

“When I moved to LA, I was coming into myself as an artist, so I see it as the place where I built my community and grew into my confidence. But London is where I grew up, where my roots are, where I wrote my first word and heard my first song.”  

While London holds emotional ties — Arlo has been staying with friends and family while in the capital — LA has provided the creative community and space to push her sound. 

She says: “It’s the place where I met a lot of the people that I make music with. And there’s something about the pace of life there, the nature and the sunshine that gives me this sense of peace, where I can just sit and write.  

“My main collaborator, Baird, lives there and we made the whole record in the space he shares with his brother. 

“It’s like a living-room studio with pianos, acrylic paints, sewing machines — it’s an amazing creative hub. The place has been really inspiring for me and given me the peace to experiment.” 

Club culture became both creative research and a release from everyday worries.  

She says: “In New York, we were going to clubs like Nowadays and Basement, which is more in the techno world, and then in LA there are nights like Midnight Lovers. 

“The scene there feels much more DIY, more warehouses than big institutions like London’s Fabric.  

“It was nice to have that as part of our week, like knowing on a Saturday we’d go out and experience it. 

“And I love living in LA because so many artists pass through, so you can catch shows all the time. People like Jamie xx in those spaces were amazing.” 

The euphoric dancefloor-inspired Heaven was the first song that Parks wrote and knew she was on to something special.  

She recalls: “I’d been out with my friend Kelly [DJ Kelly Lee Owens], who was supporting Caribou and, the night after, I’d written all of these little fragments in my journal, like my friend wearing pink Adidas shoes. That’s in the song, which came together exactly like the night had felt.  

“I was able to distil that experience into a song. It felt very cinematic.” 

Clubbing helped Arlo reconsider how songwriting can be a collective experience rather than just a personal one.  

That instinct carries into the brilliant 2Sided, the first track released from the album, which describes the heat and chaos of a night out with friends at a club. 

She says: “It felt like the right song to start this era, and it came about really naturally.  

“I felt it when I made it, and also a lot of my friends — my partner, everyone in my life — were like, ‘That’s the one’.” 

Her other standout tracks explore different themes.  

The dreamy Beams includes the line “I know it’s not a way to treat people you love”, and Parks says: “I think that sentiment is really simple.  

“There’s a moment where you’re in a situation or a relationship and you’ve become used to being treated a certain way and then you realise, ‘Wait, that’s not actually how you treat people. You should be softer, kinder’.  

“It’s about that realisation of what you actually deserve.” 

Luck Of Life is another brilliant track, which explores grief. Arlo says: “That started just me on my computer at the kitch­en table.  

“It’s about loss, something we’ve all experienced whether it’s someone passing away or a break-up, but the impact those people had on our lives and, hopefully, bringing comfort to people who are hurting.” 

On Senses, a collaboration with Sampha, she says: “It’s soothing. I think a lot of that comes from Sampha, as he’s just such a soulful person. 

“He’s always tried out lots of different genres in his career, which is really inspiring to me.” 

For her forthcoming live shows in the UK, US and Europe, Arlo has made some changes. 

She says: “It makes sense to shift the set-up as well for these shows. For a long time, it’s been kind of indie — I had a guitar band — but I want to bring the samplers and the drum machines in.  

“I’ve been inspired by how Massive Attack are touring now and bringing those Nineties sounds into more contemporary spaces. 

“With the smaller shows we did at the end of last year, I had this idea of a light box above with a blue wash, and the stage being in the round with all my samplers and equipment in the middle.  

“I wanted to feel like those nights. Even the imagery came from that.  

“We went back to some of those clubs and did this kind of guerilla-style photography with my friends.  

“It was about staying true to what really happened and trying to recapture that.”  

In 2022, Arlo cancelled some US tour dates due to “debilitating” mental health issues. She has since learned to slow down to avoid another burnout. 

She says: “Music is what I love most in the world, so if I ever feel anything negative, I know it’s because I’m feeling overworked, not because of the music itself.  

“It’s my passion, it’s very much at the centre of who I am.” It is why she also took her time making Ambiguous Desire.  

She says: “I didn’t really want it to be this sprint where I would then have a crash, I want to do this for the rest of my life.”  

Arlo, who became a Unicef UK Ambassador in 2024, to advocate for child mental health, adds: “I’ve always wanted to be a career artist and be making music forever. I knew that I had to pace myself a bit. And, looking back, I’ve had some amazing times. 

“Thinking back to Glastonbury and winning the Mercury Album Of The Year [for Collapsed In Sunbeams] as well, I couldn’t believe it.  

“There’s something really specific about the Mercury because it’s just one winner and it was at the Hammersmith Apollo, which I used to cycle past on the way to school, which made it surreal.” 

Parks has previously been hailed a “voice of her generation”, but that must come with pressure.

She says: “I felt like I was speaking to collective experiences we were going through, rather than being some kind of spokesperson. I never really saw myself as that, so I didn’t feel pressure to be a certain way.  

“I was just telling stories about what I was seeing and living, and that happened to connect with teenagers at that time. 

“But, anyway, my fan base is broad — I love it when I see whole families at a gig and I’ve seen grandparents with grandkids as well as groups of friends. It really is a bit of everything. And I love that. That makes me feel really happy.” 

Ambiguous Desire concludes with track Floette, which she describes as “a note of hope”. 

Arlo says: “I wanted to embrace the fact that change is inevitable and part of life, and we’re all growing and trying our best.  

“ ‘We’re blossoming’ as it says in that song.  

“Looking at myself, I’m more confident and I feel happier than ever.  

“I’ve made something I’m really proud of, which colours the lens that I’m looking at things through.  

“It’s the start of something new, and in the future, I’d love to write a book and a screenplay and be part of a soundtrack for a film.  

“It’s like I’m coming of age. Maybe it’s just growing up. 

“While I’m proud of the music that I made before, this feels a little bit more different.  

“I feel like I’ve finally arrived, after years of making music. I’ve found the confidence to step away and do things my way, take a risk and witness it pay off. 

“I trust myself and my intuition more than ever.” 

• Ambiguous Desire is out today. 

ARLO PARKS
Ambiguous Desire

★★★★☆

Journalist and Editor Samantha Bartlett happened to stumble upon an iconic 1999 episode of Top of the Pops recently, and one thing left her floored after watching it

The weekly broadcast of Top of the Pops (TOTP) officially ended on 30 July 2006. The iconic British music show concluded its 42-year run with a special final edition, titled “The Final Countdown,” which featured a mix of archival performances and a final chart rundown.

However, despite not being around for a decade, repeats of the show are still shown on BBC Four on Friday nights. I was one of the people tuning in last Friday and happened to stumble upon an iconic 1999 episode of Top of the Pops presented by Gail Porter. Being a 90s baby, I love a bit of cheesy pop, but as they went through the chart countdown I was struck by how many absolute tunes and iconic bands were in there.

At number 12 was Backstreet Boys with ‘I Want It That Way’, followed by the very silly but iconic ‘Doodah!’ From Cartoons at 11.

Number 10 was The Chemical Brothers’ ‘Hey Boy, Hey Girl’, while number 9 was also boyband favourite – N-Sync’s ‘Tearin’ Up My Heart’.

At number 8 was Shanks + Bigfoot ‘Sweet Like Chocolate’, while at 7 was Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)’.

Number 6 was another iconic tune, with Shania Twain’s ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’, while the fifth position was taken by Adam Rickitt’s ‘I Breathe Again’.

Madonna’s ‘Beautiful Stranger’ was then at number 4, while Britney Spears took the third spot with ‘Sometimes’.

Just missing out on the top spot at number 2 was S Club 7s ‘Bring It All Back’, meanwhile at number 1 was one other than Vengaboys ‘Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!’, that no doubt all you fellow 90s babies jumped around to in your bedroom.

I actually couldn’t believe how many iconic acts and tunes were just in those 12 slots. I mean, I know some of them are cheesy, however, many of those songs were massive UK hits where literally everyone, including your gran, would know all the words.

I was so struck by the clip I decided to share it to my TikTok,

I just find it quite sad that shows like Top Of The Pops were huge back then and listening to the chart with part of your weekly routine.

I remember I used to go round my nan’s with my dad and sister on a Sunday so me and my sister would always run out to the car and listen to the radio to find out what was number one. Now I don’t think anyone really cares apart from maybe the artist themselves and their record label.

It just feels like a lot of fun has gone out of today’s music and charts and there doesn’t seem many good pop bands around for kids, apart from all the K-Pop stuff that is big at the moment.

The only pop bands that seem to do well these days are those 90s ones that come back for a revival, such as Blue or Take That.

I’m not sure if it’s all to do with money and that labels just aren’t putting the money behind bands and acts anymore or what but I certainly miss the glory days and am glad I have all the memories from my favourite 90s acts.

COLEEN ROONEY will mark her 40th birthday today with a series of celebrations at her £20million Cheshire mansion.

But the hundreds of bottles of champers on ice this weekend are far from the only corks she will be popping this year.

Mum-of-four Coleen — wife of former Manchester United superstar Wayne — has big plans in the pipeline — with one pal telling The Sun: “She’s entering her powerful era.”

With a seven-figure Primark deal and a fly-on-the wall Disney documentary already in the bag, insiders say the 2024 I’m A Celebrity runner-up is dreaming big.

One friend explained: “Coleen’s sons are growing up fast and she is excited about the opportunities ­coming her way.

For a long time her primary focus was being a mum to her four boys. She is the backbone of their household, a constant for her sons and for Wayne.

“But now they’re growing up — the boys somewhat more than Wayne at times — Coleen is ready to reclaim some of herself.

“Going into I’m A Celebrity was a great way for her to dip her toe into the water. She loved it and it was obvious the nation still has a ­massive soft spot for her.

“Coleen said she would take a break after that to work out her next move.

“Turning 40 and with loads of exciting things coming her way, she’s entering this powerful new era.”

Coleen will celebrate today with Wayne and their sons, budding Man Utd footballer Kai, 16, Klay, 12, Kit, ten, and eight-year-old Cass.

She will then throw a huge bash for her closest friends and family.

An enormous white marquee has been erected in the 50-acre grounds of their home, previously dubbed “Morrisons mansion” because of its vast size and appearance.

‘A good knees-up’

Wayne’s footballer pals, including Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and ­Darren Fletcher, are all on the guest list, along with Coleen’s Wag chums such as Annie Kilner and Abbey Clancy.

“I’m looking forward to it, I love a birthday and a celebration,” Coleen said ahead of her bash.

“I have decided to enjoy a couple of different celebrations with family and friends over the year, and with my birthday falling over Easter weekend, some friends are away — so any opportunity to extend the ­celebrations…”

Caterers and staff will keep the party running smoothly, with insiders saying no expense has been spared.

“Coleen loves a good knees-up,” another pal explained.

“She can afford a lovely lifestyle and everything at the party will be classy and beautifully done. But for her, plenty of booze, good music and her family is all she will want.

There’s going to be live music and you can guarantee Wayne will be getting up on the microphone

Pal

“There’s going to be live music and you can guarantee Wayne will be getting up on the microphone.

“He loves to sing and will be keen to give everyone a tune or two.”

Those close to Coleen say eyes will be kept on Wayne following a rather embarrassing boozy night out before the Brit Awards in February.

Photographs and videos from a posh bar in Manchester obtained by The Sun showed Wayne struggling to do up his trousers after he spent time chatting with a mystery woman.

He was later seen leaving the venue at 3.45am and getting into a car alone to head home.

At the time, pals close to Coleen said they were furious at his behaviour, which came in the same week Coleen was launching her Primark clothing collection.

Branding Wayne an “idiot”, one seethed: “It’s upsetting to see Wayne acting this way because it takes the spotlight away from her.”

After dating Wayne since she was 16 years old, Coleen is well-versed in facing down his antics. She has stuck by him through every crisis in their marriage — including visits to sex workers in 2004 and 2009 and being charged with drink-driving in 2017.

In recent years Wayne has curbed his wayward ways, but has still had his share of controversial moments.

Turning 40 and with loads of exciting things coming her way, she’s entering this powerful new era

In 2020 he allegedly poked fun about his lack of a sex life, while the following year he was ­photographed fast asleep in a hotel room chair while three women struck comic poses around him.

“If Coleen is the angel then Wayne has definitely always been the devil on her shoulder,” one friend joked.

“Her friends think she’s the ­strongest woman out there for ­putting up with everything that Wayne has done. It takes a certain kind of woman to tolerate that behaviour and live with it. But Coleen has always just asked for honesty. 

“The only time I think she’d draw the line is with anything that could affect her children.

“Her four boys are Coleen’s world. And when it comes to her kids, she is like a lioness with her cubs.

“Wayne absolutely knows that. She is just as fiercely protective over him too, to be honest. Coleen comes across as soft on the surface but she’s got balls of steel. No one would mess with her.”

Coleen herself confessed she was used to Wayne’s poor decision making and said she stuck with him for love.

She told British Vogue: “We’ve had our ups and downs. Obviously everybody knows. It’s been hard to go through it in the public eye but there has always been true love there.

“If the love is gone then, it’s pointless. But if not, you’ve got something to work for.”

Coleen added: “We’ve never backed away from it. We own it.

‘Cheering her on’

“I remember having a conversation about this with someone and I said, ‘Well, do you know what your wife gets up to every day and night? At least I know what my husband is doing!’

“It might not be good, but I know. People lie to themselves.”

Coleen first came into the public eye when Wayne burst on to the scene as a teenager at Everton — and she was famously photographed in her school uniform aged 16 in 2003. 

Her fashion choices saw her becoming a regular at high-end Liverpool boutique Cricket, once dubbed the “unofficial footballers’ wives headquarters” for how often she and other local Wags, including ­Steven Gerrard’s wife Alex, shopped there.

But it was at the 2006 World Cup at Baden-Baden in Germany that Coleen cemented her status as one of our favourite Wags alongside Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham.

Coleen comes across as soft on the surface but she’s got balls of steel. No one would mess with her

Friend

In that same year she teamed up with Asda as the face of its George clothing brand, before kicking off a lucrative deal with Littlewoods four years later for her own range.

It is expected that Disney TV ­cameras will capture parts of Coleen’s birthday celebrations, with the family opening the doors of their home for a fly-on-the-wall series. 

Simply called The Rooneys, the three-parter has filmed both Wayne and Coleen, while also shadowing Coleen as she worked with Primark on her clothing line.

Insiders say the big plan for Coleen is to help make her star shine brighter.

Undeniably, she now has the opportunity to bring in the bigger pay packets.

Her deal with Primark was worth millions, while further lucrative deals have been coming in thick and fast.

Meanwhile, Wayne has struggled as a manager. He left Plymouth Argyle after seven months in charge, and was sacked by Birmingham City after just 83 days.

He now has regular gigs as a pundit on Match Of The Day but, as one pal puts it, that is not going to sustain their lifestyle.

“Coleen is the golden ticket for the family now,” a friend explained.

“Wayne was the breadwinner for so long and now the roles have started to slowly reverse.

“To put it bluntly, Coleen is very marketable. She is popular, unproblematic and relatable. Her ­decision to create an affordable brand with Primark shows that.

“Watching her next steps is going to be really interesting. Everyone who knows and loves Coleen is cheering her on and wants her to succeed.

“This is just the beginning for Coleen. Now you just have to sit back and watch her rise.

“We just hope Wayne catches on and keeps himself in line.”

The actor will this time take the character to Miami for the chaos of the World Cup, involving 48 teams and 16 venues

Hugh Bonneville is back as Ian Fletcher, and this time around the BBC’s former Head of Values is in America, dealing with the World Cup.

The Downton star, who first introduced Fletcher in the Olympics-spoofing series Twenty Twelve and then brought him back for W1A, said that playing Ian again was so painful it was akin to a nasty visit to the dentist. “It’s a bit like root canal in that you know there’s a massive well of poison in your mouth and it’s got to be dealt with. And after it’s finished, it’s rather nice,” he laughed. “But the process itself is agony.”

Hugh, 62, says that Ian Fletcher has “evolved” since the last time we saw him. “Although, ‘evolution’ is, of course, an interesting word, conjuring images of change. “If Ian was a lapel pin it would be enamelled with the words, Stay Calm. The seas may be tossed and blown but Ian will be neither tossed and certainly not blown.”

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But he questions how much Ian has actually learned from the chaos of his past experiences. “The tragicomedy of life is that we may think we develop and change but actually most of us reset at the end of each day to catastrophically normal and – if we can afford one – a take-away.”

One new element in this series is a potential romance between Ian the terribly keen VP Sustainability Sarah Campbell (Chelsey Crisp).Writer John Morton says he “can’t remember” if the actually happens, while Hugh says cryptically: “During this series Ian’s eyes are opened a teeny bit to emotional opportunity. Then again, he’s also recovering from a detached retina.”

The actor admits his own football experience as the Under 11 B Team goalie at his junior school was an unhappy one. “I was fat and I was rubbish at running up and down. So I was put in goal. It was the days where you wore a padded top as a goalie, which was quite a warm garment, actually. So that was nice. I was quite cosy, toddling up and down in my little goal, pretending to stretch, in my green, figure-hugging little duvet. I don’t think I ever saved a ball.”

Morton said that none of the shows are actually about what they appear to be, and that they all work as standalone programmes. “Although W1A was about the BBC, this appears to be about football and 2012 was about the Olympics, none of them are really about those things,” he explained. “That’s what they’re tussling with on the surface, but underneath is where the real stuff is happening. Anybody that’s trying to organise anything with a group of people will, I hope, recognise this. Those dynamics I think are pretty much universal.”

He said that the BBC was the show’s natural home. “There’s a sort of BBCness about Ian Fletcher, a guy who’s kind of hamstrung by trying to do the right thing all the time. And I have, just personally, a huge amount of respect and affection for the BBC. I think they’re one of the best things we do. I think they’re very, very precious. And W1A was never intended to be a takedown, just as this isn’t, of anybody or anything.”

– Twenty Twenty Six, BBC Two, 10pm, Wednesday 8 April

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After a major national debacle on live TV when she was only 20 years old, Ashlee Simpson Ross finally found a way to win back a small-screen audience’s love: She put a galaxy mask over her head and let the vocals rip.

Forget that 2004 incident where she got caught singing over a backing track in an appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” Sure, she did a weird little dance, then fled the set. Sure, her dad made excuses. But that’s in the past.

The winner of “The Masked Singer,” who is married to Evan Ross, Diana Ross’ singer-actor son, was bubbly as she celebrated her victory in a post-finale interview published Wednesday night. On the season finale, she had sung Olivia Rodrigo’s tune “Good 4 U.”

“I feel like I became Galaxy Girl and I had the best team ever,” Simpson told People. “So I mean, it felt great to do it. It felt great to perform, not being able to see where I’m going. You can hardly see where you’re going. I think just becoming that character of Galaxy Girl and people not knowing who I was, it was just a different way of performing that. I enjoyed that. It was definitely a moment of discovery.”

Back in fall 2004, Simpson, who’s now 41, was about to do her second song as the musical guest on “SNL.” Following in her famous sister’s footsteps as Jessica Simpson’s newlyweds reality show with then-husband Nick Lachey was hitting its stride, she had just released what would become the year’s top-selling album by a female singer.

Then the band started up — and the wrong lyrics started playing out of the ether. Simpson was not singing them. So she did an uncomfortable sort of jig before walking off the set and leaving the band stranded. Cut to commercial.

Lorne Michaels would confirm later that it had been a first for the sketch show.

“What can I say? Live TV,” host Jude Law told the audience during the show’s goodbye sequence that night. Simpson, standing at his side, jumped in with a rapid-fire explanation of what had just happened, throwing her band under the bus and not making much sense at all.

“I feel so bad. My band started playing the wrong song and I didn’t know what to do, so I thought I’d do a hoedown. I’m sorry!” she said.

This was a year after her sister had asked, with cameras rolling, whether a can of Chicken of the Sea contained tuna or chicken, and whether Buffalo wings were made out of buffalo. So what stuck in people’s minds were those lyrics playing out of the ether. Ashlee Simpson, it was clear, intended to lip sync, which sort of implied to casual observers that she couldn’t sing. She became, to many, a laughingstock.

Her dad said afterward that acid reflux had made her vocal cords swell, necessitating the last-minute switch from live to Memorex. He called it a learning experience and said she would prove herself in future shows.

“Unfortunately, that happened to us on Saturday, so just like every other artist in America she has backing tracks … so you don’t have to hear her croaking through a song on national television,” Joe Simpson told Ryan Seacrest in a radio interview.

“She never used them before,” he said of the vocal tracks, but “you have to do what you have to do.”

A few months later, she was booed on national TV when she did the halftime show at the 2005 Orange Bowl. Folks joked that it was worse than what happened on “SNL.”

So, yes, her career continued, but it hasn’t been 100% smooth. After a couple more albums, she took a role in a Broadway musical and eventually she returned to acting. She said over and over that she was going to get back into music, but life kept getting in the way.

Then in 2025, after celebrating the 20-year anniversary of her breakout album release with a short gig at a WeHo nightclub the year prior, she announced a residency at the Venetian in Las Vegas. The gig proved popular enough that it was extended into 2026.

And over the course of “The Masked Singer” season, Simpson finally proved to those casual observers that she has a voice and knows how to use it. She even bested her husband, who competed this season as Stingray and was cast out in Episode 10.

“Performing is my happy place, and to be doing that again just feels so nice,” she told People. “I’m inspired to keep playing shows and creating new music. And moments like ‘Masked Singer’ and Vegas, and I’m looking forward to Pride and Stagecoach — those moments just make me realize, ‘Oh, this is what I love to do.’

“I’m happy to be doing it again.”

Good for you, Galaxy Girl.

BLAKE Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni has been dismissed, just weeks before going to trial.

The actress alleged that her It Ends with Us co-star and director, Justin, engaged in inappropriate conduct during filming.

On Thursday, a judge threw out her sexual harassment claims, according to TMZ, which broke the story.

However, Blake’s numerous other allegations, including retaliation, will go to trial next month.

The Gossip Girl alum claimed that Justin attempted to harm her reputation after she asserted he had created a problematic work environment.

Meanwhile, Justin alleged that Blake and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, tried to tarnish his reputation, engaged in extortion, and hijacked creative control of the romance film.

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He initially filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake, though that was dismissed by a judge in November.

Blake and Justin are set to appear in court on May 18.

The legal dispute has also involved Blake’s BFF, Taylor Swift, and is reported to have caused tension between the two.

In January, The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed that Taylor’s upcoming wedding to NFL star Travis Kelce could be impacted by Blake’s ongoing court battle with Justin.

Shocking personal texts between Taylor and Blake discussing Blake’s challenges with Justin were unsealed in the lawsuit.

According to TMZ, the singer could be called as a hostile witness for the defense in court, which is scheduled to take place shortly before her fairytale wedding to Travis.

The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed that Travis has urged Taylor to distance herself from the situation and to set firm boundaries.

Blake and Justin’s feud began when they started filming It Ends with Us in May 2023, in which they played love interests.

The movie premiered in August 2024, and Blake made her complaint about Justin’s behavior shortly after.

At the time of publishing, neither Blake nor Justin has commented on the dismissal.

Last week, Blake shared an Instagram post about her “emotional roller coaster” after traveling to Wales to watch Wrexham AFC play.

Her husband, Ryan, has co-owned the team with fellow actor Rob McElhenney since 2021.

Blake posted a slideshow of photos of her smiling at various locations during the trip.

The ex-guitarist of Turnstile has been arrested for allegedly intentionally hitting the lead singer’s father with a car.

Brady Ebert, a founding member of the Baltimore hardcore punk band, was arrested Tuesday in Silver Spring, Md., on charges of attempted murder in the second degree and first-degree assault.

Montgomery County Police responded to a call Sunday saying a pedestrian had been struck by a car. Upon arrival at the front yard of a home, officers discovered William Yates, the 79-year-old father of Turnstile frontman Brendan Yates, with “trauma to his lower extremities,” the Baltimore Banner reported.

William Yates and his family told police that Ebert first drove up to their house “honking his horn and yelling obscenities,” per Fox 5 in Washington, D.C. Ebert then allegedly returned and hit the elder Yates with his car.

According to the Banner, police obtained surveillance video of the incident that shows Yates moving out of the way and throwing a rock at Ebert’s vehicle and Ebert then accelerating up the driveway before swerving and striking Yates with his car. Yates told police that before first responders arrived, Ebert returned once again to yell that he “deserved it.”

Turnstile told Pitchfork in a statement that Yates underwent surgery for the “severe physical trauma” he sustained during the altercation and that the band’s members are “hoping for the best possible outcome in his recovery.”

“Turnstile cut ties with Brady Ebert in 2022 in response to a consistent pattern of harmful behavior affecting himself, the band, and the community,” the “Never Enough” band said in the statement. “After exhausting every available resource to support his access to help and recovery, a boundary ultimately had to be set when healthy communication was no longer possible and he began threatening violence.”

“We have no language left for Brady,” the band added.

Formed in 2010, Turnstile broke into the mainstream with the 2021 album “Glow On,” which earned the band its first Grammy nominations. The band’s first Grammys came in February 2026 for metal performance (“Birds”) and rock album (“Never Enough”). Turnstile is scheduled to perform at both weekends of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival later this month.

AWARD-winner Olivia Dean is on cloud nine posing in a fluffy white coat.

The So Easy (To Fall In Love) singer was also pictured in a red mini-dress for Elle magazine.

The London-born star, 27, said: “My heart is extremely full.”

But she knows to keep up her guard too, adding: “People can get lost within this industry.

“You have to be quite mentally strong.”

So far in 2026 Olivia has scooped four Brits, three Mobos and a Grammy.

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Last week she won Best Female Act, Album Of The Year for The Art Of Loving and Song Of The Year for Man I Need at the Mobos, cementing her reign at the top.

At February’s Brits her album The Art of Loving was named Album of the Year.

Screaming in joy as she received the award on stage, she said: “Making this album has changed my life.

“I feel so proud to have made it and to have worked with everyone that I did on it. Max Bastian, Zack, thank you for believing in me…”

Breaking down in tears again, she added: “This album is just about love and loving each other in a world that feels loveless right now.

“So… I don’t know. Thank you, bye!”

A federal judge has dismissed Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni, sharply narrowing a case that has become one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal battles.

In a ruling issued Thursday, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman threw out 10 of the 13 claims in Lively’s suit, including harassment, defamation and conspiracy claims. The remaining claims — centered on retaliation, along with breach of contract and related allegations — will proceed to trial.

Sigrid McCawley, a member of Lively’s legal team, said the case will now move forward on retaliation claims, which they described as its central focus from the outset.

“This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set, and that is the case that is going to trial,” McCawley said. “She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this form of online retaliation.”

McCawley added that the dismissal of the harassment claims was based on the court’s determination that Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee, not a finding that the alleged conduct did not occur.

The decision marks the latest turn in a sprawling dispute that has played out across multiple lawsuits and raised broader questions about workplace conduct, free speech and the limits of retaliation claims in the post-#MeToo era.

The legal fight traces back to the production and release of “It Ends With Us,” the 2024 romantic drama that grossed roughly $350 million worldwide but became overshadowed by reports of a rift between its two leads.

In late 2024, Lively accused Baldoni of inappropriate on-set behavior, including comments about her appearance and alleged retaliation after she raised concerns. Baldoni has denied the allegations, arguing that Lively sought to wrest creative control of the film and damage his reputation.

The case has unfolded alongside a parallel legal offensive from Baldoni, who filed a sweeping $400-million countersuit accusing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds and others — including the New York Times — of defamation and extortion. That lawsuit was dismissed in June, with Liman finding the claims legally insufficient.

At the same time, Lively has sought to frame the dispute as a test case for California’s relatively new law protecting people who speak publicly about sexual misconduct. Advocacy groups including Equal Rights Advocates, Child USA and Sanctuary for Families have backed her efforts, warning that allowing retaliatory defamation claims to proceed could chill survivors from coming forward. The statute, enacted in 2023, is designed to shield individuals from being sued for speaking out about harassment, provided their statements are not made with actual malice — a legal standard that has become central to the broader fight between the two sides.

Thursday’s ruling does not resolve the broader questions raised by the case but significantly narrows the terrain ahead of a trial scheduled to begin in May. While the judge found that Lively’s harassment claims did not meet legal standards and will not go to a jury, he ruled that some of the underlying conduct could still be considered as part of her retaliation claims.

The two sides previously attempted mediation in February without reaching a settlement.

Representatives for Baldoni did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A PLAQUE dedicating a service station bridge to shamed radio presenter Scott Mills has been removed.

It was put up in 2016 after a light-hearted campaign with his then-Radio 1 co-star Chris Stark — but a customer noticed it had gone this morning.

They said: “I had seen the stories about the bridge with Scott Mills’ name.

“I never really come to this service station but today I did and the plaque has been taken away.

“I’m not surprised really.

“The thing was right by the loos so everyone walking past could have seen it.”

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It is believed to have been taken down by Welcome Break, which manages Fleet Services on the M3.

Radio 2 breakfast show star Mills, 53, was sacked by the BBC last week.

It emerged a male he was questioned about by police in 2018 was under 16 at the time of alleged historic sex offences.

Outgoing BBC director general Tim Davie said: “We’re trying to act fairly.

“It was new information that made it very clear about the decision we had to make.”

Welcome Break declined to comment on the plaque.

Newsreader Jayne Secker suffered from a bout of hiccups whilst presenting the 4pm bulletin on Sky News Today

Sky News presenter Jayne Secker suffered from a bout of hiccups whilst presenting the 4pm bulletin on Thursday. The newsreader, 53, was back in her usual slot on the live TV channel but as she began addressing the nation, she was befallen by a case of the hiccups, and couldn’t stop.

She began: “The wait is over! After more than half a century astronauts are finally on their way back [hiccup] to the moon!” It appeared that she let out a slight giggle as she began to present the next item.

Ever the professional, Jayne managed to regain composure in time to be able to continue with the rest of her news reporting segment.

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Jayne has appeared on Sky News Today since 2014, and initially appeared alongside Colin Brazier, and has been employed by the broadcaster since 2002.

Many viewers may be unaware that she is the daughter of the late Tyne Tees anchor Kathy Secker. Jayne’s media career began on home turf, editing student newspapers and securing an internship at BBC Radio Newcastle, before becoming a BBC trainee after graduating from the University of Stirling.

The Bedlington-born star, who was the first person to interview astronaut Tim Peake live from space, has a famous lineage; her mother Kathy joined ITV in 1976 and became well-known for presenting shows like Lookaround, the Birthday Spot, and the daily North East Tonight bulletins, as well as her own series Kathy and Co.

Kathy also made waves on radio, hosting her own show on BBC Radio Newcastle on Sunday afternoons, with her last broadcast airing just two weeks before her death in December 2015 at the age of 70.

Kathy, the founder of the renowned Grace House charity in Sunderland, a cause that Jayne proudly patronises, died at her home in Newcastle after she failed to turn up to a planned day out with friends.

BBC Newcastle, for whom she was still presenting a weekly show, confirmed the sad news on Twitter, now known as X, at the time. Paying tribute to Kathy, they wrote: “Some very sad news. Kathy Secker, one on our longest serving presenters, has died. She’ll be hugely missed.

“Kathy’s passing comes as a huge shock. Our thoughts are with her family. We’ll have a tribute on Sunday @ 2pm.” During her tenure at Sky News, Jayne spent a decade as a foreign correspondent, often reporting from conflict zones such as the Middle East, before joining their long-running rolling news programme.

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PIANO Man Billy Joel has recorded a special interview to air during Eurovision thanks to his song named after host city Vienna, I can reveal.

Afterwards, Austrian singer Cesar Sampson, who finished third in 2018, will cover the song before the results are revealed.

I’m told there were hopes Billy could fly over to make a surprise appearance at the contest.

But it was ruled out on health grounds.

Billy was diagnosed last May with a rare neurological disorder that can cause issues with hearing, balance and vision, although he is having physical therapy to treat it.

The musician has already cancelled all of his 2026 concerts, including shows in Edinburgh and Liverpool.

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However, he did make a surprise appearance in Florida on January 2.

A source close to the singer, who will turn 77 a week before the final on May 16, said: “Billy has recorded an interview talking about his love for Vienna and his links to the city, which is all tied into his song.

“Organisers originally hoped he could perform but that was ruled out. They will be making a big deal of this very rare interview with him.”

He has sold more than 160million records and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Vienna was released in 1977 as the B-side to Just The Way You Are, and is now among his most popular tracks.

Ultravox’s 1980 hit, also called Vienna, is arguably even more popular.

But frontman Midge Ure certainly won’t be there, as he will be in the middle of a UK tour.

The 70th edition of the contest will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena after 166million tuned in to see Austrian singer JJ win with Wasted Love last year.

Celine Dion had been in talks to perform at the 2025 event in Switzerland, but it didn’t happen as she continued to battle Stiff Person Syndrome.

I’ll have to keep my fingers crossed that the Eurovision entries themselves provide plenty of entertainment instead.