Latest news with #Chris
Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Two Doors Down star's thoughts on whether show will return
Grado, 37, who plays Alan in the popular BBC series, recently spoke about the show's much-anticipated return on his podcast, A Pint and Two Shots. In the episode, the Two Doors Down legend, real name Graeme Stevely, discussed the sitcom with fellow podcast host Chris Toal. We reported how the BBC announced that the hit comedy will make a return for a special Christmas episode. READ MORE: Glasgow restaurants loved and visited by popular Two Doors Down star READ MORE: Two Doors Down star pictured with famous pal at event In the podcast, Chris was speaking to Grado when he said: "Surprise announcement last week, you're on holiday, feet up in Turkey, Alan's on his way back, Two Doors Down." Grado replied: "Yes, back in a job," with Chris adding: "I'm buzzing, mate." "I had to do the read-through, well, I never did the read-through, I got the script," Grado added. "It's just the way it worked out with the schedule, of course, I was on holiday. It's like you do nothing for ages, and then it all comes at the one time. "So, I was only on to get the photo in the background with the laptop, which I think about 95 per cent of folk reading the article never managed to spy me on the laptop. "I was getting so many messages, 'how come you're not on Two Doors Down', and I'm like, 'I'm in the picture, but I'm in the background', and somebody else read in for me. "But the script is tremendous. It's brilliant. It was obviously a bit sad because Simon wasn't there, and it was weird." After that, Chris asked Grado: "Did you notice the difference in writing?" With the Scot Squad actor replying: "See to be honest with you, no, which is a good thing - that's what I told Gregor, I said, 'Mate, that's Two Doors Down'." Following that, Chris asked Grado if the episode was successful, whether it would make a full return in the future. Grado said: "Hopefully. I really do." The actor went on to reveal the cast will be filming the Christmas episode in a few weeks, while adding: "I can't wait to get back." READ MORE: Two Doors Down's shock comeback confirmed by the BBC The BBC said the residents of Latimer Crescent, where the show is based, will congregate at Beth's (Arabella Weir) and Eric's (Alex Norton) house to celebrate Xmas. The broadcaster also confirmed all the stars of the show will feature in the episode, including Christine (Elaine C Smith), Cathy (Doon Mackichan) and Colin (Jonathan Watson), Alan (Graeme Stevely) and Michelle (Joy McAvoy), plus Beth and Eric's son Ian (Jamie Quinn) and his fiancé Gordon (Kieran Hodgson). READ MORE: Two Doors Down star pictured filming new show at Glasgow pub READ MORE: Star of Two Doors Down confirms shows shock comeback Two Doors Down first hit TV screens in 2013 as a one-off special. After that, several series of the show were made. The comedy was written and created by Simon Carlyle and Gregor Sharp. Sadly, we reported how Simon passed away aged 48 in 2023. Following that, Gregor revealed he couldn't carry on the show without Simon. However, earlier this year, fans of the comedy were left buzzing when rumours previously emerged that Gregor had a 'change of heart' and was crafting an Xmas special.
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘K-pop Demon Hunters' directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans on representing Korean culture and creating Huntr/x
Weeks after the release of Netflix's most-watched original animated film of all time, Kpop Demon Hunters, people still can't seem to stop dancing and singing to 'Soda Pop', 'Golden' or 'Your Idol'. This week, four songs from this American animated musical-fantasy film have made it to the top 10 of the Billboard Global Music Chart, even as fan theories continue about whether the film will get a sequel. The film follows the lives of a fictional K-pop girl group, Huntr/x, belonging to a long legacy of female demon hunters, tasked with keeping a magic barrier strengthened through their singing. The 'honmoon' seals demons from stealing souls of people and feeding them to their demon overlord. It isn't long before they face hurdles in the form of the Saja Boys, demons disguised as a preppy boy group. Since the movie's release, the girls have gone on to become badass superhero inspirations and fashion icons. For directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans from Sony Pictures Animation, who co-wrote and co-directed the film, the film's global success has been exhilarating. 'At the core, it's a story about people trying to find love and acceptance in the world, despite their imperfections,' Chris says, of the film resonating with audiences across the world. Global themes 'In a movie like this, one that is set in Korean culture and features Korean characters, it tells an audience that no matter who you are and where you come from, we all want love and acceptance. It's a very global theme,' adds Maggie. The challenge for Maggie and Chris was in creating main characters who were believable as real K-pop stars, and as real people. 'A lot of hard work went into creating their musical identities, casting vocal talent, unique choreo, and of course, writing great songs. But it was just as important to develop them as humans — their friendship, their fears, their favourite snacks and pajama pants,' says Chris, of Zoey, Mira and Rumi, the three main protagonists. 'We've both wanted to see more relatable female characters, ones that are messy, act silly, make stupid faces, and we thought it would be especially refreshing to see that in the superhero space. It felt like a new take on the female superhero,' says Maggie, adding that she wanted the film and the trio to look 'fashionable and editorial'. The team spent a considerable amount of time getting the casting right. Arden Cho, who voices Rumi, and Ahn Hyo-Seop, who voices Jinu in particular, Chris says, had to balance a lot in their characters. 'Beyond being talented, they were both really dedicated. It took many hours and many recording sessions to find that balance, but they both determined to nail it,' Chris recalls. Since its release, the film has garnered much praise for its referencing of Korean culture, mythology, and even how real locations in Seoul were turned into visually stunning animated frames in the film. Maggie, who was born in Korea and brought up in Canada, says they travelled to South Korea as a team to research locations. 'You can't feel the energy of a city from photos. You can only get that by being in it, and I think that trip really helped us capture all the special details of our locations — the narrow alleys of Bukcheon Hanok Village, and the nature and beauty of Jeju Island,' she says. The area of Myeongdong, which features prominently in the film, holds a special place in her heart as she was born there, and it was also where her parents met for the first time. Representing Korean culture onscreen 'I grew up in Canada during a time when Korea wasn't really known. My third-grade teacher couldn't even find Korea on the map when I told him where I was from. That was kind of the norm for years for me — Korea being this insignificant country between powerhouses China and Japan. So to see Korean culture embraced and loved globally, it's unbelievable,' Maggie says, when asked about how important it was to represent Korean culture the right way onscreen. 'It makes me so proud that the beauty of our culture and our people is appreciated, so I wanted to celebrate that through the movie,' she adds. Chris, too, has a Korean connection; his wife is Korean-American, and he jokes that if they had gotten anything wrong, he would have been the shame of his in-laws for all of eternity. 'But in all seriousness, we had an incredible crew with many Korean members who brought their own knowledge and personal experience, and that added so much depth and authenticity. It shows how important it is to have diversity in animation, not just in a leadership role like Maggie's, but across every department,' he says. Theories have been swirling about which specific idol or K-pop group inspired the Saja Boys, but Maggie is quick to set the record straight. 'We were inspired by all of K-pop,' she says. 'Yes, we built reference boards, but really, it's not fair to name specific groups because so many were on them. For me personally, one of the biggest references was H.O.T., which is my original favourite group from the '90s. They used to go from a very cutesy, bubble gum single, do a complete 180 and go dark and hard for the next single, and that was one of the references for the Saja Boys going from 'Soda Pop' to 'Your Idol,' she adds. The Jeoseung Sajas, or the grim reapers of Korea, were what the Saja boys were always going to be, Maggie says, which is why while they begin with the breezy 'Soda Pop', they end with the dark and brooding 'Your Idol'. Movies centred around music are now truly having a moment in the spotlight. Closer home, the title track of Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda's Saiyaara is also on the Billboard Top 10 global chart this week, alongside four songs from K-pop Demon Hunters. So what does it take to get that perfect soundtrack for a film where everything hinges on the music? 'We really worked to make sure the songs had a pop catchiness but also a story purpose. In hindsight, I think it helped us write great pop songs because each one had a compelling story to tell,' Chris says. Music Producer Ian Eisendrath and Spring Aspers at Sony were instrumental, he adds, in giving them talented songwriters to collaborate with and, more importantly, creative protection to develop the songs without too much interference. 'We also made sure no two songs feel the same. Our movie has many different tones throughout, and so it meant naturally our soundtrack would feel like that too. Every song has a different vibe and a different kind of message, and I honestly think that's what makes the soundtrack so exciting,' Maggie says of the smash-hit soundtrack. When asked about the possibility of a sequel for a film that seems to have so much more of a story to take forward, both directors remain mum. So until an official announcement comes by, it's endless rewatches and the soundtrack on loop for the fans. Kpop Demon Hunters is currently streaming on Netflix
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Dawn O'Porter and Chris O'Dowd sell swanky London home for £2m after moving back to UK as she struggled to revive career
DAWN O'Porter and husband Chris O'Dowd sold their stunning London pad for £2.1m after relocating back to England. The author, who claimed this week she is always broke, made the decision to quit Hollywood in a bid to 'claw back' her career. Advertisement 10 Dawn O'Porter and husband Chris O'Dowd sold their stunning London home for £2.1million after relocating back to England Credit: Getty - Contributor 10 The Georgian townhouse in the swanky Marylebone location featured impressive interiors Credit: Zoopla 10 Dawn and Chris married in 2012 and have two sons Credit: Getty 10 The living space spanned across four floors Credit: Zoopla 10 It also boasted impressive outdoor space for a London pad Credit: Zoopla The couple, who have sons Art, 11, and Valentine, eight, made some serious cash from their three-bedroom town house in posh Marylebone, when they sold it in 2022. Full of character and quirky furnishings, the grade two listed Georgian terrace home was always going to be snapped up. The four-storey home had a play room, a garden room and three reception rooms and has the potential to extend. Speaking about coming back to London, Dawn admitted she struggled to find her place in the bright lights of Hollywood, but didn't find the transition quite as smooth sailing as had hoped. Advertisement READ MORE ON DAWN O'PORTER She recounted: 'We were living in LA and I just said to Chris, I've got to go back to London to try and claw back my career. 'And we came back to London for a bit and I'd go for these meetings at TV production companies and I'd been successful. "I had my own series on Channel 4... and they'd be like, 'What do you want to do?' and I was like, 'I want to do what I do'. But no one wanted to employ me.' Earlier this week Advertisement Most read in Celebrity She told Dawn has had a varied career, presenting several documentaries and shows including BBC's Super Slim Me and How To Look Good Naked on Channel 4. Cleaning fans clear the shelves as they spot £3.25 spray being hailed as 'UK equivalent' to America's beloved Dawn Meanwhile, Chris has starred in some of Hollywood's biggest productions, including This Is 40, Thor: The Dark World, Gulliver's Travels and St. Vincent. It isn't the first time Dawn has opened up about financial struggles. Advertisement While appearing on the White Wine Question Time podcast with Kate Thornton, she explained: 'I've never seen myself as a celebrity . 'Even though I'm married to Chris, who is quite a well-known actor, I don't think either of us have ever seen ourselves as celebrities. 'I guess if I was a celebrity , I'd get paid lots of money to do things that aren't necessarily my job or don't really feed what I do, but I don't. My job is writing, with the occasional little ad on Instagram to pay the rent.' Dawn had a regular column with Stylist magazine but was dropped, which affected her confidence. Advertisement 'I was cool. I had my own show on Channel 4... then as my career just kind of... declined, I think they looked at me and were like, well she's just not that interesting anymore,' Dawn admitted. Dawn released her first novel in 2013, Paper Aeroplanes, which is a fictional story loosely inspired by her upbringing in Guernsey. She went on to release The Cows in 2016 which earned her a place on the Sunday Times Best Sellers List. 10 The property is Grade II listed Credit: Zoopla Advertisement 10 Recently Dawn, 46, discussed her money woes Credit: Getty 10 Chris got his big break in Hollywood with a role in the comedy caper Bridesmaids Credit: Alamy 10 The couple moved back to London after living in Los Angeles 10 They made some serious cash from the home following the sale in 2022 Credit: Zoopla Advertisement
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Dawn O'Porter and Chris O'Dowd sell swanky London home for £2m after moving back to UK as she struggled to revive career
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DAWN O'Porter and husband Chris O'Dowd sold their stunning London pad for £2.1m after relocating back to England. The author, who claimed this week she is always broke, made the decision to quit Hollywood in a bid to 'claw back' her career. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 10 Dawn O'Porter and husband Chris O'Dowd sold their stunning London home for £2.1million after relocating back to England Credit: Getty - Contributor 10 The Georgian townhouse in the swanky Marylebone location featured impressive interiors Credit: Zoopla 10 Dawn and Chris married in 2012 and have two sons Credit: Getty 10 The living space spanned across four floors Credit: Zoopla 10 It also boasted impressive outdoor space for a London pad Credit: Zoopla The couple, who have sons Art, 11, and Valentine, eight, made some serious cash from their three-bedroom town house in posh Marylebone, when they sold it in 2022. Full of character and quirky furnishings, the grade two listed Georgian terrace home was always going to be snapped up. The four-storey home had a play room, a garden room and three reception rooms and has the potential to extend. Speaking about coming back to London, Dawn admitted she struggled to find her place in the bright lights of Hollywood, but didn't find the transition quite as smooth sailing as had hoped. She recounted: 'We were living in LA and I just said to Chris, I've got to go back to London to try and claw back my career. 'And we came back to London for a bit and I'd go for these meetings at TV production companies and I'd been successful. "I had my own series on Channel 4... and they'd be like, 'What do you want to do?' and I was like, 'I want to do what I do'. But no one wanted to employ me.' Earlier this week Dawn, 46, discussed her money woes, despite being a successful author and presenter and being married to Chris, who has starred in numerous box office successes and famous TV shows. She told MailOnline: 'I work pay cheque to pay cheque. I'm always broke. My card got declined last week. I'm like, what the f*** is happening? When will this end?' Dawn has had a varied career, presenting several documentaries and shows including BBC's Super Slim Me and How To Look Good Naked on Channel 4. Cleaning fans clear the shelves as they spot £3.25 spray being hailed as 'UK equivalent' to America's beloved Dawn Meanwhile, Chris has starred in some of Hollywood's biggest productions, including This Is 40, Thor: The Dark World, Gulliver's Travels and St. Vincent. It isn't the first time Dawn has opened up about financial struggles. While appearing on the White Wine Question Time podcast with Kate Thornton, she explained: 'I've never seen myself as a celebrity. 'Even though I'm married to Chris, who is quite a well-known actor, I don't think either of us have ever seen ourselves as celebrities. 'I guess if I was a celebrity, I'd get paid lots of money to do things that aren't necessarily my job or don't really feed what I do, but I don't. My job is writing, with the occasional little ad on Instagram to pay the rent.' Dawn had a regular column with Stylist magazine but was dropped, which affected her confidence. 'I was cool. I had my own show on Channel 4... then as my career just kind of... declined, I think they looked at me and were like, well she's just not that interesting anymore,' Dawn admitted. Dawn released her first novel in 2013, Paper Aeroplanes, which is a fictional story loosely inspired by her upbringing in Guernsey. She went on to release The Cows in 2016 which earned her a place on the Sunday Times Best Sellers List. 10 The property is Grade II listed Credit: Zoopla 10 Recently Dawn, 46, discussed her money woes Credit: Getty 10 Chris got his big break in Hollywood with a role in the comedy caper Bridesmaids Credit: Alamy 10 The couple moved back to London after living in Los Angeles Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Strictly bosses 'in talks' with England rugby legend amid rumours over pro pairing
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return later this year with pros like Nadiya Bychkova having already begun rehearsals, ahead of the line-up of contestants being announced A retired rugby union player is reportedly in talks to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. There's already speculation over who they could be partnered with for the BBC dance contest if they end up taking part in the upcoming series. The show is set to return later this year and rehearsals underway for the professional dancers. The line-up of contestants for the new series of Strictly has yet to be announced, but there's been speculation over potential contestants in recent weeks. Chris Robshaw, 39, who captained England's national team, is now among those rumoured for the dancefloor when the show returns. Since his retirement from rugby in 2022, he's already been on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. It's been teased that Chris would likely be paired up with pro Nadiya Bychkova, 35, if he does Strictly this year. She was announced as one of the returning dancers in April, alongside two new additions to the pro line-up. Chris, who is married to classical singer Camilla Kerslake, is thought to be almost 6 foot 2 inches tall so there's speculation that Nadiya would be only pro close to matching his stature, unless he has a same-sex partner for the competition. A source teased to the Sun that Chris, who is reportedly in "advanced talks" for Strictly, and returning pro Nadiya could deliver "sizzling performances" if they are partnered on the show. The source said: "Chris is likely to be the hunkiest celebrity signing for the 2025 show and if he does get paired with Nadiya will deliver some sizzling performances. But as a former rugby star he'll also have some big dance shoes to fill as plenty of other players have gone onto Strictly and done remarkably well." A number of former rugby players have competed on Strictly since the TV show launched in 2004, with Martin Offiah placing fourth in the first series. Matt Dawson was runner-up in 2006 and Kenny Logan then placed fifth in 2007. Austin Healey also achieved a top five position when he competed in 2008, having placed fourth. Gavin Henson, who appeared on the show in 2010, and Ben Cohen, who competed in 2013, ended up in fifth and eighth place respectively. More recently, contestants with a background in rugby haven't done as well on Strictly though. Thom Evans placed twelfth when he competed in the ballroom back in 2014 and Ugo Monye placed eleventh in the contest in 2021. The line-up of contestants for the new series has yet to be announced. The BBC however has already confirmed which pros will be returning to the dancefloor, with Nadiya among the dancers coming back for another series. Nadiya and the other pros have already started rehearsing for the upcoming series. They have posted updates from training on Instagram, including introducing Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, who are the newest pros on the show. A photo of the group together in a dance studio was shared by Nadiya last night. She wrote in the caption: "Back in the ballroom bubble with the best in the business. Another season, another adventure - and I'm so ready for it."
