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Edinburgh Live
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
The Chase's Mark Labbett shares dating fears in heartbreaking admission
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Mark Labbett has opened up about his deeply personal dating struggles, admitting he's remained "single for most of his life" and describing himself as "quite a late developer." The 59-year-old, who's become a household name on The Chase since 2009, has now signed up for the upcoming series of Celebs Go Dating on Channel 4. Known as 'The Beast' on the ITV show, Mark, who recently had a health scare, stands as one of the original 'Chasers' alongside Shaun Wallace. Later on, fans saw Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan and Darragh Ennis join the team. Following his rise to fame on the ITV quiz programme, Mark has also captured public attention through his remarkable weight loss transformation, and has recently been romantically linked with showbiz presenter Hayley Palmer. (Image: ITV) In an exclusive conversation with Express Online, Mark candidly discussed his involvement in the dating programme and reflected on his romantic experiences during his younger days, reports the Express. "I've never done television like this before, so it was a chance to branch out a little bit and see what it's like on the other side of the TV business, and I think it's fair to say it was a real eye opener," Mark confessed. "In fairness, I've been single most of my life, and you get very comfortable about being single, so I'm trying to put it in words. It's a new experience. I thought, 'Let's give it a try.'" (Image: Channel 4) When pressed about his very first romantic encounter, Mark disclosed: "Going back to Oxford [University] because I was quite a late developer, and let's just say it didn't last long, and we'll leave it at that." Before joining the programme, Mark had been in a relationship with entertainment presenter Hayley Palmer. The duo shared an intense year-long romance but shocked fans when they revealed their separation mere days before reaching their one-year milestone. Mark allegedly terminated their relationship via telephone call, which Hayley described as "really hard." (Image: ITV) The former pair had made an appearance on Loose Women just days prior to Mark ending things during a brief three-minute conversation in May 2024. Hayley previously told MailOnline, "I never thought in a million years he'd go on a dating show after such a painful and public breakup." "I genuinely wish him well. I am excited for him to start a new chapter in his life, just like I am." The new series of Celebs Go Dating launches at 9pm on E4.
Daily Mirror
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jason Momoa's co-star spills on 'unique bromance' on the set of his 10-year passion project
Chief of War has finally premiered on Apple TV+ after taking a decade to bring the epic historical series to the screen and it seems Jason Momoa has developed a close friendship with one of his co-stars Jason Momoa, the star of the new epic historical drama Chief of War, has struck up a close friendship with one of the show's emerging talents amidst the stunning Hawaiian backdrop. The much-awaited Apple TV+ series made its debut this Friday (1st August), a decade after Momoa first dreamt up the passion project. Set against the tumultuous life of the legendary warrior Ka'iana, Chief of War takes viewers back to the dawn of the 19th Century as Hawaii and the Pacific Islands grapple with Western intrusion and fierce internal conflicts. Te Kohe Tuhaka, a rising star from New Zealand, steps into the role of Namakeʻ, Ka'iana's brother and a key figure in the unification struggle that paved the way for Kamehameha I's (portrayed by Kaina Makua) rule over the Kingdom of Hawaii. In an interview with Express Online, Tuhaka praised the series as "brutal" and "beautiful", expressing his hope that it will inspire "indigenous superheroes" among young Hawaiians, reports the Express. He also opened up about the strong camaraderie he formed with Game of Thrones and Aquaman heavyweight Momoa, alongside fellow actors Makua, Siua Ikaleo (Nahiʻ), and Brandon Finn (Prince Kūpule), fostered through their on-screen portrayal as brothers-in-arms. Tuhaka fondly recalled, "These four hammers, I called them, we were all pretty close," adding, "One [memory] I probably can't tell you, but we did manage to have a good time. We trained together a lot, we were in the gym a lot together. There was lots of laughing." During the chilly filming conditions, Tuhaka admitted: "Because it was so cold [during filming], I struggled a lot to feel Hawaiian in the middle of winter, but those three men, I would just pull them into me and I'd go 'I just need to feel your warmth and understanding so I can feel Hawaiian again'. "The close-knit nature of the cast was very evident." Tuhaka praised Momoa as a "great leader" on set, highlighting his roles not only as the leading actor but also as an executive producer and co-writer alongside Thomas Pa'a Sibbett. "I have a real bromance with Jason," he confessed. "We're pretty tight. "And our friendship is pretty unique. But, I would say, as a craftsperson, as a producer, as a writer, as a director, he really went above and beyond to make sure one, we all felt safe and heard. "And second to that allowed us the space, time and energy to deliver the performances without, kind of, putting any restraints on us." Having appeared in films like The Dead Lands and Love and Monsters, Tuhaka's career is set to soar after working with a Hollywood heavyweight like Momoa. Momoa ensured Tuhaka had every chance to excel, especially during the many "firsts" experienced on set. "I have a background in doing my own stunts, and Jason has the same thing but his version of that is, like, 1000 times bigger," Tuhaka remarked. "So, to be taken aside by him to best understand the lines to run, the movement of the weapon, that guidance so the level of the stunts and the fights are matching... "We do have a few fights together where we're fighting as a duo. That, to me, was an eye-opening educational process as an actor. It was amazing." Keep your eyes peeled for a mix of bromance, romance, and thrilling action sequences as this enthralling historical drama gears up to drop new episodes weekly.
Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Brutal' Apple TV+ series leaves no stone unturned in 'eye-opening' historical drama
Apple TV+ is finally bringing its new historical series to screens, and one of the stars of the show has opened up about what viewers can expect Viewers won't discover a more gripping or revelatory historical drama this year than this mesmerising series launching today on Apple TV+. A labour of love that's taken a decade to develop, this absorbing, adrenaline-fuelled epic resurrects a forgotten chapter of history with breathtaking authenticity and compelling characters. This nine-episode series pledges to reward audiences who can endure its savage brutality, complex subject matter and subtitled dialogue with a magnificent saga of conflict, treachery and exploration. Executive produced, co-written by and starring Game of Thrones icon Jason Momoa, Chief of War represents the latest Apple TV+ series that absolutely warrants your viewing after successes including Severance and Slow Horses. Momoa embodies the historical warrior Ka'iana, whose uprising at the dawn of the 19th Century proved pivotal in shaping modern-day Hawaii, reports the Express. Express Online recently secured the opportunity to speak with Momoa's co-star Te Kohe Tuhaka, who depicts Ka'iana's brother Namakeʻ, another historical figure who proved crucial to the struggle. "I was fortunate enough to read a very early script of the first ep, and I was hooked straight away," he recalled. "When we think about Hawaiian culture and their own indigenous stories, taking such large-scale stories of history and then matching it by putting it on such a large production scale, that impressed me the most. "There was no real stone unturned," he added. "With the language, us, the cast, got so much support around learning the language and having a great understanding. Then you look at the beautiful costuming. "Everything was there feeding into the story, but matching the scale of the story to the scale of the production, that's what really impressed me the most." Boasting a predominantly Polynesian cast, the series was not only shot across both New Zealand and Hawaii with historically accurate period dress, but Mamoa and his fellow actors all perform in the genuine 'Ōlelo Hawai'i tongue. Co-created by Thomas Paa Sibbett, Chief of War also refuses to pull punches when showing the savage brutality that defined the conflict, from both Hawaiian warriors and Western invaders. When questioned about what he believes audiences will take away most from the programme, Tuhaka revealed: "I think the brutality, the brutal nature of how things were during this period. "In many, many ways we can call it black and white, cause and effect. Those who do know about Hawaiian culture and the stories, you would know that there was a brutality that existed in the unification of something. "So, to see the brutality of it and not have it be tainted in any way, and there's an earnestness, an honest nature to the brutality of Chief of War and these stories, so I think that's going to surprise a lot of people." Despite the gruesome nature of some scenes, the actor remains hopeful that it will inspire younger viewers, particularly those with a connection to Hawaii. "It's beautiful," he expressed. "The biggest part from that process for me is being a part of something that is going to change the worldly view of young Hawaiian kids, seeing their own stories and being able to have some indigenous superheroes." Two episodes of the series are currently available for streaming, with more thrilling episodes set to be released every Friday until September.
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Foundation stars admit they had to 'up their game' for cast of season 3
Foundation season 3 is currently airing on Apple TV+ and sees the arrival of a new character played by Cherry Jones Terrence Mann, star of the Apple TV+ series Foundation, has dropped some exciting hints about working with new guest star Cherry Jones, known for her role as Nan Pierce in HBO's Succession. Jones joins the cast as Ambassador Quent in the third season of the sci-fi epic, which is based on Isaac Asimov's legendary novels and set tens of thousands of years into the future under the rule of Emperor Cleon. The Empire is managed by a trio of clones at different ages: Brother Dawn (played by Cassian Bilton), Brother Day (Lee Pace), and Brother Dusk (Mann), with the upcoming season seeing Day distancing himself from his counterparts, leaving diplomatic responsibilities to Dawn and Dusk. Their interactions with Quent are crucial, especially as she represents Hari Seldon's (Jared Harris) Foundation. Speaking to Express Online, Mann expressed his delight at reuniting with Jones, saying, "I've known Cherry for years," and recalling their excitement upon learning they'd be working together: "When I knew she was coming on board we were just excited, we called one another and went 'Oh my God, you're gonna be there!'", reports the Express. "Every time we've talked about her, she's the most authentic, brilliant actress of our age. "There's not a bit of artifice on her as a performer or as a person. She's the dearest person you'll ever be with, she gives 100 percent of herself when you're working with her. "And what a joy, she gets to be my love interest in this season!" Season three of Foundation presents a formidable challenge for the three Cleons as nearly the entire supporting cast has been replaced. While Harris is reprising his role as Hari, along with his protégée Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell) and the clones' robot advisor Demerzel (Laura Birn), the third season introduces several new characters, most notably the mysterious warmonger known as the Mule (Pilou Asbæk). Foundation also welcomes Alexander Siddig, Troy Kotsur, Synnøve Karlsen, Cody Fern and Brandon P. Bell to its ranks. Mann's co-star Bilton chimed in: "To be honest with you, when we saw this new cast list we all turned each other and were like, 'We've got to up our game'. "Because you've got some real heavy-hitters coming in this season. I mean, Cherry Jones, who's like a Broadway icon and we all know her from Succession. "I remember she was nominated for an Emmy when we were all on set with her. And Pilou Asbæk, who I adored in Game of Thrones, is now playing the Mule this season. "Cody Fern, who's been brilliant in the Ryan Murphy universe, Synnøve Karlsen who, to my mind, is one of the great young British actresses. And a tonne of other new talent. "All of those performances bring an authenticity but also a new edge and a new vitality and urgency to the show. I certainly felt [a tonal shift] because it was something I felt reading the scripts." The actor said, "It is work but I'm also a fan and I watched this show and I binged it, it is so addictive, particularly this season because the tone has shifted to be much darker, much more urgent. Ultimately it has a sense of danger to it." Regardless of whether you're a returning viewer or new to the series, Foundation's third season is a must-watch for fans of science fiction.
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
‘Majestic' sci-fi epic is finally back for season 3
One of the best science fiction dramas of the past decade has finally returned with its best season yet Apple TV+'s gripping science fiction epic is finally back for its third season and it's more timely than ever before. Based on the iconic works of Isaac Asimov, Foundation is a sprawling saga set 10s of thousands of years into the future, when the galaxy is ruled by a lineage of clones based on the original Emperor Cleon, portrayed by Lee Pace, Cassian Bilton and Terrence Mann, known as Brother Dawn, Day and Dusk. When ingenious mathematician Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) formulates psychohistory, a scientific method of predicting the future, he foresees the Empire's downfall which will lead to a dark age lasting eons. He subsequently recruits fellow maths genius Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell), who helps him create Foundation, an interstellar alliance working to preserve human knowledge. This season sees their coalition face their greatest threat, a Mentalic known as the Mule (Pilou Asbæk), an unpredictable warlord with the ability to bend people to his will. More than ever before, season three of Foundation is a poignant example of how sci-fi stories set millennia into the future can still resonate deeply with the issues we're facing today. Take it from the cast themselves, including Brother Dusk star Mann who told Express Online and other press: 'What happens in Foundation, for all three seasons, mirrors exactly what's happening in the world in any given country, or continent, or city, or home, or family, or town. 'That part of humanity doesn't change, the dysfunctionality of families, they're there and we love them and that kind of storytelling has been here as long as the written word.' And his co-star Bilton, who portrays Brother Dawn, added: 'I think the show this season, more than other seasons, has a very confronting relevance to the world we're living in right now. 'What we explore this season is the idea that power ultimately shouldn't be held by one individual for too long. 'There are elements of the Cleons' rule that are borderline fascistic, they are essentially autocrats. They're, for all intents and purposes, not democratically elected. They're clinging to power, even though that wouldn't be the right thing for them or anyone else. 'You see across the entire Foundation universe the implications of that, and none of it's good. It really is war.' While Foundation has always struck a chord both with human history and contemporary life, the Mule introduces brand new themes that will feel eerily timely to today's online landscape. 'You have that on one side and also another thing that strikes me as relevant is the Mentalic element of this season,' Bilton continued. 'Of course it is a science-fiction idea but, I think with the rise of social media and its influence on the way in which we carry out our daily lives and the choices that we make being informed by the time we spend on our phones has echoes in what the Mule is able to do. 'It's not so much that he has a very strong army of people with weapons, but he can get in the minds of people. What you're seeing now, both with the rise of AI and the proliferation of social media globally, is people have a shortcut into your attention and your mind. 'Capitalism has taken over every single land mass in the world and now the thing it's coming for is the real estate of your mind. 'That's echoed in the Mule so I do think there's a striking relevance this season to the world we're living in.' Reviews from fans have called the show 'magnificent and majestic' and a 'groundbreaking adaptation' of Asimov's original novels, so make sure you find time for this stunning sci-fi series soon.
