Damian Lewis teams up with music hitmaker behind success of huge Nineties star for next album
And my insiders say the Homeland actor has joined forces once again with Guy Chambers — the man behind some of Robbie Williams ' biggest hits, including Angels, Millennium and Rock DJ – in a bid to nail down some belters.
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A source revealed: 'Guy co-wrote Damian's song The Night We Called It A Day, and the pair worked so well together that Damian wanted the Angels hitmaker back in the studio with him. Damian has loved swapping acting for singing and was delighted with the response to his debut record.
'His acting schedule is less hectic this year and so he has decided to get back in the studio.
'Damian worked so well with Guy on their previous track, so it was a no-brainer to get him involved again, especially considering he penned Robbie's biggest hits.
'Damian is excited for people to hear what they come up with.'
When the actor first revealed he was trying his hand at singing in 2023, he admitted he was nervous about the reaction he would get.
He said: 'There's always a fear of impostor syndrome but, at the same time, I felt very relaxed.
'I think I was enjoying it so much, I didn't stop to think whether I should or shouldn't.
'Life is short — it took a pandemic for me to sit down and write some songs.'
But he added: It's important to say, I don't expect to suddenly become Bruce Springsteen.
'I haven't given up acting — I love it and I'll continue to do it.
Damien Lewis leaves F1 fans stunned with 'horrific' rendition of national anthem
'But [ music ] does feel different, and I'm having tremendous fun doing it.'
Damian's record, Mission Creep, got decent reviews when it came out in 2023 and, with Guy on board, I don't doubt this album will fare just as well.
Until then, his fans can look forward to seeing him on screen in World War II film, Pressure — about the 72 hours leading up to D-Day — alongside actors Brendan Fraser and Andrew Scott.
Damian is also starring in Jimmy Carr's screenwriting debut Fackham Hall, which is a spoof comedy that takes the mick out of Downton Abbey.
Well, they do say variety is the spice of life . . .
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Jade smashes tour
JADE's fans are calling for her to play Radio 1's Big Weekend main stage next year after she smashed her set in the new music tent.
The Angel Of My Dreams singer was on the line-up alongside the brilliant Flo, who packed out the venue in Liverpool, and Tate McRae who is on her Miss Possessive arena tour.
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It was Jade's first big performance since she announced her debut album, That's Showbiz Baby! which is out September 12.
The Big Weekend was a good warm up for the Little Mix star, who will head out on her first solo tour this October.
Jade will play nine shows in cities including Belfast, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle and Manchester.
Her final show will take place at London's Roundhouse on October 19.
We love to see Jade rise and rise - and expect big things from her debut album.
Demi said yes in a Viv dress
CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Demi Lovato who got married on Sunday evening.
The American star tied the knot with fellow singer-songwriter Jordan 'Jutes' Lutes, three years after meeting in the studio while working on her 2022 album Holy Fvck.
She had a Vivienne Westwood dress designed especially for her for the occasion.
Demi, who got engaged in December 2023, said: 'When I was thinking about [what dress style I wanted], I often found myself coming back to Vivienne's designs, specifically how the silhouettes really compliment the curves in your body, and her use of corsets.'
The couple also had a wedding rehearsal on Saturday afternoon.
They followed Sunday's ceremony with a reception, where she wore another ivory silk satin Vivienne Westwood dress.
From drink and drug addictions to the pitfalls of fame and life in the spotlight as a child star, Demi has certainly not had an easy ride.
But she looks healthier and happier than ever these days.
I'm thrilled to see things going well for her.
A good shout, Lu
HE has a whopping ten Top Ten singles to her name, was married to Maurice Gibb from The Bee Gees, won Eurovision, had a fling with David Bowie and sang a Bond theme.
So there would be plenty of drama if British music legend Lulu made a biopic… and that might just be happening – with a massive Hollywood star playing the role.
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The Shout singer has revealed she is in talks to bring her life story to the big screen, after she told The Sun last year that there were discussions about a potential career-spanning documentary.
In a new, exclusive chat, she told Bizarre: 'The documentary might be a film about my life. It might be all sorts of things. There are several interested parties talking about how it should go.'
Her memoir, If Only You Knew, is out on September 25 so there will be even more stories to include in a movie.
She added: 'I think the book has to come out first. I can't commit to any more right now, but maybe. And who do I want to play me? I think Reese Witherspoon might be good.
'But one of my favourite actresses right now is Saoirse Ronan. Does she sing? I think she can do anything.'
It has been a decade since Lulu's last album but she said fans shouldn't get their hopes up for another any time soon.
She explained: 'I haven't been in the studio, but my brother and I have been writing. I've been writing with a couple of friends.'
With a book, film and her popular podcast on the go, I can't blame her for leaving the studio alone.
CAUGHT LIVE: HURTS @ O2 Academy Brixton, London
★★★★☆
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HURTS may have been one man down, but you wouldn't have known it by the adoring and rabid sell out crowd.
The Manchester duo burst onto the scene in 2010 with their debut album Happiness and now lead singer Theo Hutchcraft is celebrating its 15th anniversary, although he's without his bandmate Adam Anderson, who is taking time away from the group for his mental health.
On stage, Theo says: 'We are a man down, and no-one misses Adam more than me tonight. He sends his love.'
But fans have waited seven long years to see Hurts perform in their home country and the show lives up to the hype.
Impeccably dressed as a hero on a victory lap, Theo looked in his element, flinging white roses into the audience whilst the dancers, string section and even an opera singer added the perfect amount of melodrama to the occasion.
A decade and a half on, there's still plenty of love for Hurts.
New album from Ken
KENNY THOMAS has revealed he is releasing his first album in 15 years.
The British soul singer will drop Unstoppable on August 8, with his new single If I Can't Have You out today.
Kenny will take the record out of tour next year, with the dates lining up with the 35th anniversary of his debut album, Voices, which saw him land a string of hits with Thinking About Your Love, Best Of You and Outstanding.
Kenny's tour will see him play the Gateshead Glasshouse on March 19 2026, before he plays in Manchester, London, Southend and Birmingham.
He said of his new record: ''It's my first studio album in 15 years and honestly, I think it's some of my best work to date.
'I'm sure my fans will connect with it and enjoy listening to it.
'They've been with me from the beginning and we now have my biggest ever UK tour on sale including the legendary Eventim Apollo in London which is all because of them.
'I love performing and we can't wait to take these songs on the road as well as the hits that my fans expect.'
'Expect some noise'
TO celebrate the release of their tenth album Antidepressants on September 5, Suede are taking over the Southbank Centre in London for four huge nights.
The shows, on the 13th, 14th, 17th and 19th, will see the band taking over four parts of the landmark venue, with Brett Anderson saying: 'Expect old songs, new songs, borrowed songs, blue songs, drama, melody, noise, sweat and a couple of surprises.'
Tickets are available now but you'll need to move fast, with their Suede: Off Mic show in the Purcell Room on September 17 already sold out.
Simon keeps in touch
HE famously doesn't own a phone but Simon Cowell has made sure wannabe stars of the future can still contact him.
But his fiancee Lauren Silverman might not be best pleased about it, because the old X Factor boss has admitted he's taken to giving out her number and getting her to sift through the best talent.
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Simon, who is inundated with people wanting to give him their audition tapes, said: 'I say, 'Here's Lauren's number. Send your audition to Lauren'.
'She'll say to me, 'Simon, I've had these people leaving me all these messages today'.
"And I said, 'Well, you will have to get back to them.'
'She actually does. She listens to the songs and sometimes gives them feedback.'
If I was Lauren, I'd be asking for a raise . . .
Pete's a top dog
PETE WICKS is cosying up to another special someone but it's all for a good cause.
The Strictly star is backing Animal Free Research UK with their battle for Herbie's Law, encouraging the Government to introduce a roadmap to end experiments on animals in medical research.
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He snuggled up to a beagle and was photographed by acclaimed snapper Rankin to help raise awareness about the amount of animals, including dogs, still used in British laboratories.
Pete said: 'I'm supporting Herbie's Law because I believe in a brighter future, without animal testing.'
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