Jason

IN just a few weeks Guy Ritchie and Jason ­Statham will start work on their new movie, Viva La ­Madness.

And I can exclusively reveal the gangster flick is getting a very special supporting character — in the form of Vinnie Jones.

The trio last worked together in the amazing 2000 film Snatch and now former footballer Vinnie is going to be front and centre in the new movie alongside Jason.

A source said: “Viva La Madness is writer J.J. Connolly’s sequel to Layer Cake but the film is going to be a standalone production.

“Guy is thrilled to be back at the helm. And to have Jason on board, as well as Vinnie, is going to make for cinematic gold.

“This project feels so brilliantly British. It’s going to be loud, fast and unapologetically patriotic.

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“Jason and Vinnie are so brilliant together on screen and everyone working on the film was thrilled to hear that Vinnie had signed up.”

‘Come a long way’

I’m told the exact details of the plot are being kept under wraps but it’s expected to closely follow J.J.’s novel.

The book returns to the story of the shady anonymous drug dealer — played by Daniel Craig in the film of Layer Cake — who is pulled back into the criminal underworld after hoping to retire.

But this time, the deals get more risky — with high-level electronic fraud and a bit of money laundering for good measure.

It’s not surprising that Guy has brought Vinnie on board for the film, after casting him in the next series of his Netflix hit, The Gentleman.

Guy previously admitted he and Jason credited ­Vinnie for helping them when times were tough — before they made it big with Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels in 1998.

He said: “Vinnie was ­forever paying for taxis when Statham and I had no money.”

“We’ve come a long way since Lock, Stock.”

I absolutely loved Layer Cake so I cannot wait to watch Viva La Madness.

SEQUIN WHEN YOU’RE WINNING

MARIAH CAREY went into 2026 on Cloud Nine after her performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve went off without a hitch.

Nine years ago, the superstar was on the very same stage when she was hit by technical difficulties, meaning she was off-beat when lip syncing.

It got so bad that Mariah stopped pretending to sing, and said: “It is what it is. It just don’t get any better,” before stomping off stage.

This time around, fans watching in New York had a far better time, with Mariah – who wore a tiny pink dress adorned with sequins – sailing through her performance of her 2009 song, Obsessed.

Host Rita Ora stayed cosy in a leopard print coat as temperatures plunged to -2C in the Big Apple, while over in Las Vegas, Demi Lovato was on top form for Dick Clark’s Sin City gig.

She took to the stage in a shimmering sheer jumpsuit alongside stars including Diana Ross, Post Malone and 50 Cent.

BUSY SIAN: I’M NOT WEDDY YET

THIS Morning and Capital Breakfast DJ Sian Welby got engaged to radio producer Jake Beckett two years ago, but they are still no closer to walking down the aisle.

When asked her if she has made any headway with preparations, Sian – who gave birth to daughter Ruby in June 2024 – admitted: “No, it’s an absolute shambles. I’ve honestly not got any brain capacity for wedding planning.

“I think what we’re doing: having a baby who’s waking up in the night, teething, the 4am alarms . . .  combine that with trying to see friends and family up in the Midlands and the thought of trying to plan a wedding is quite daunting.

“I don’t want to be that person that’s engaged for years and years and I would love a big wedding, but it’s everything. Even the guest list fills me with anxiety.”

BACK IN THE PINK AFTER OP

THE brilliant Pink has told fans she spent New Year’s Eve in hospital having surgery on her neck.

Sharing a snap of herself from her hospital bed on Instagram, the So What singer, below, said: “I end the year giving reverence to, paying attention to, and to fixing my body.

“It may not be a fancy face lift, but I am getting two new shiny discs in my neck.

“A new scar – a reminder that I appreciate this vessel that I have and use it for all it’s worth.

“Rock ’n’ roll is a contact sport. And as I sit here by myself on New Year’s Eve in a hospital room while my family is happily snowboarding, I know that 2026 is going to be better because that is the choice that I have made.”

AFTER I revealed the Rolling Stones had cancelled their plans for a UK and European tour this year, Ronnie WOod says he just won’t be sitting at home and ­twiddling his thumbs.

Speaking at Jools Holland‘s Hootenanny, the guitar whizz said: “I just wanna play all the time, or paint. I have a big exhibition planned for the end of 2026 in Germany.”

NEW PIRATES? IT DEPPENDS

THE fate of the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise now rests in Johnny Depp‘s hands, it seems.

Talk of a sixth film has been swirling for years since the last instalment, Dead Men Tell No Tales, in 2017.

Now, actor Kevin McNally, who played seaman Joshamee Gibbs, has revealed the script is with Johnny, who starred as Jack Sparrow.

In an exclusive chat, Kevin said: “I would love to do a new Pirates movie. The only problem is that there are two realities in the world. There is reality, and there is social media.

“As far as social media is concerned, I started filming yesterday. As far as reality is concerned, tumbleweed, but I would love to be part of that again.

“The last two films weren’t great, but for me, if Johnny thinks it’s good enough and wants to do it, I will be there.”

While Kevin waits for the call, he is busy directing and starring in new sitcom Ketchup.

The series is based on author Joe Cawley’s More Ketchup Than Salsa memoirs and will follow a hapless British couple who attempt to run a bar on the Costa del Sol.

Salfordian comedian Jason Manford was forced to defend himself when Royal Variety Performance viewers went in on him after he hosted the annual televised charity event

Jason Manford got defensive on social media when Royal Variety Performance viewers slated him on social media after it was aired on Sunday. Salford native Jason, 44, hosted the annual charity event, which saw the Prince and Princess of Wales enjoy the show.

But Jason Manford appeared to divide opinion with his jokes about class, opening the show with a quip about his kids being middle class, after he was brought up as a working class lad. Kicking off proceedings on the ITV show, Jason stated: “I’ve created monsters,” before explaining his kids refused warm ‘smashed avocado’, joking that it was actually mushy peas from the chippy.

Although his comedy seemed to go down well with the royals, even getting a chuckle from the Prince of Wales, viewers at home were more critical of the comedian. One viewer commented on social media: “Can’t believe Jason Manford is rehashing all this stuff about his brother and class. Been doing it for years #royalvariety.” Another added: “Nice enough bloke but he ain’t that funny. #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”

A third viewer wrote: “You complete ****hole! 99% of Uk can’t stand u!!” But Jason wasn’t accepting any negativity, replying to the unhinged comment: “Merry Christmas mate.” Not letting go, the viewer added: “You jumped up halibut! You’re a pauper in most eyes!” Jason responded: “And a Happy New Year xx”

Another viewer – who also had no profile picture – commented: “It would be better if he did not shout so much.” On one, Jason added: “It’s a a big room sweetie.”

Someone else commented that they thought Jason is being eyed up for the Strictly job, to which Jason joked: “Funnily no one has called, unless it’s a surprise to me too.” Oblivious, another viewer replied: “No one will either.” Jason got shirty, hitting back: “That was the joke f*** face.”

When another fan commented that Jason was “smashing it”, a disgruntled viewer replied: “We must be watching different shows,” to which Jason said: “Maybe you’re just not in the mood.”

But for every critic, there was praise for Jason’s hosting skills. One viewer posted: “You’re brilliant on Royal Variety! Definitely need to host again next year!” Others realised they’d caught feelings, with one typing: “How good does @JasonManford look!!! I mean DAMMN the crush I have on him wasn’t on the bingo card for 2025 #RoyalVarietyPerformance”

The event, which was recorded in November at the Royal Albert Hall, but aired on Sunday, raises funds for the Royal Variety Charity. The organisation supports entertainers and their families facing hardship and poverty.

For this year’s show, Westlife performed World Of Our Own ahead of their huge tour in their matching black suits and bowties. It was followed by a special performance from the Live Aid musical ‘Just For One Day’ followed, with Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure making an appearance to tell the story.

Stephen Fry appeared as Lady Bracknell from The Importance of Being Earnest, while Jessie J performed an emotional version of her track I’ll Never Know Why. Elsewhere, Britain’s Got Talent winner Harry Moulding performed an trick with the help of members of the audience, while Strictly’s Johannes Radebe led a performance from musical Kinky Boots.

Impressionists followed, with impressions of political leaders including Sir Keir Starmer, Donald Trump and Boris Johnson, while Jason went on to take part in a panto section. The show concluded with a Les Misérables performance, which saw 400 performers, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Katy Secombe, Bradley Jaden and Killian Donnelly, mark the show’s 40th anniversary.

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Actor Sir David Jason, known for playing Del Boy in the hit show Only Fools and Horses will discuss the sitcom and show unseen footage in new series

Sir David Jason has insisted “the love for Only Fools has never faded” after reuniting with cast members from the beloved sitcom for a new documentary series.

Celebrating the show’s 45th anniversary, Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive will air behind-the-scenes footage as well as material that the series producer said was “filmed but never broadcast”.

The sitcom, which was a ratings smash hit for the BBC, including at Christmas, first aired on September 8 1981 and proved to be a career-defining role for Sir Jason, who played Del Boy, and Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played his brother Rodney.

Announcing the new UKTV documentary series, Sir David, 85, said: “The love for Only Fools has never faded. It’s incredible to see how many people still hold it close to their hearts. Revisiting these rediscovered moments reminded me just how special the show was – and still is. It’s incredible to be able to share them now.”

The two-part series features interviews with cast and crew and includes archival material from more than 10 classic episodes, including The Jolly Boys’ Outing and Mother Nature’s Son.

In interviews, cast members including Sir David, Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel), Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra) and Sue Holderness (Marlene) pay tribute to creator John Sullivan, who died in 2011 at the age of 64.

Further discoveries, which didn’t make it into the original episodes due to timing or structural constraints include new material from the episodes He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Uncle, Mother Nature’s Son, Time On Our Hands. There is also an unseen opening scene of Del and Rodney in a nightclub from The Class Of ’62.

Clips have been digitally scanned and restored from 16mm negatives, meaning the cast appear in high definition. Sean Doherty, director and series producer, said: “Few shows have the kind of enduring popularity that Only Fools enjoys.

“The archive has uncovered some extraordinary material – 66 unseen clips and scenes so far that were filmed but never broadcast because they didn’t fit the timing or structure of the original episodes, plus nearly 100 assets from rushes and location filming. We’ve truly been spoilt for choice.”

Helen Nightingale, UKTV’s head of factual and factual entertainment, commissioning, said: “Only Fools And Horses is part of the national DNA.

“With its humour, heart and unforgettable characters, it’s British comedy at its very best. This series is a celebration of its legacy and a chance to share new discoveries with the fans who’ve loved it for decades.”

In 2019 a musical adaptation of Only Fools And Horses starring Paul Whitehouse opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and it toured across the UK and Ireland in 2024 and 2025.

In 2022 on Only Fools and Horses actor Michael Fenton Stevens told how many jokes were lost from the sitcom over time due to time constraints.

Speaking on the Only Fools and Horses podcast he recalled his own episode and said: “It was a very big programme by then. I was in Series 6 and it had just gone to 40 minutes so they had the extra time to do things. That was the point by which they had turned into mini plays, they were just beautiful.

“They did that because John Sullivan would always write 10 minutes more than was needed. So every half hour script has 10 minutes of material which was cut. If you can find the original scripts from before they were printed to be used in the studio, if you can get them from when he was writing – and they must be somewhere, his family must have them on record, I think – it would be brilliant to read through all those bits that were cut.” The extra scenes and gags from Del Boy and Rodney were filmed, only to be omitted in the final edit.

The sitcom featured the colourful escapades of market trader Del Boy and his less streetwise younger brother Rodney as they went through the highs and lows of life trying to become rich.

The characters lived in Peckham with Grandad, played by Leonard “Lennard” Pearce, and their friends included Trigger, played by Roger Lloyd Pack, and Boycie, played by John Challis.

* Two part series Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive will be airing on U&GOLD in 2026.

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