Latest news with #HappyMondays
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'BBC sitcom Mandy returns with more weird jobs and glorious nonsense'
As Diane Morgan launches the fourth series of her BBC Two sitcom Mandy, it's probably best that I issue my usual advice: Don't ask too many questions — just go with the flow and embrace the nonsense. Mandy, you see, is not a show in which the scripts, characters, continuity and storylines stand up to any kind of scrutiny. You may recall that all the way back in series one we discovered that hapless jobseeker Mandy Carter (Morgan) was married to Shaun Ryder from the Happy Mondays. The absurdity steadily increased from that point on, pulling the likes of Graham Norton, Natalie Cassidy, Beverley Callard, Anna Maxwell Martin and Professor Brain Cox into its orbit along the way. So you won't be too surprised to learn that this new series begins with finance foghorn Martin Lewis popping up in a high-class clothing boutique during a Pretty Woman skit to offer Mandy consumer advice. Or that it ends with Mandy going on a date with Paddy McGuinness, having been matched with his profile at Full Moon Introductions. Morgan herself prefaced today's series launch by telling the Guardian, "It's pure stupidity. There's no meaning. You're not going to learn anything." If you were to couple that with an earlier pronouncement of hers - "It's pretty weird, but the episodes are only 15 minutes so it's very low commitment" - you could pretty much wrap up this review here and now. However, what Morgan didn't mention was just how laugh-out-loud funny Mandy can be. Obviously, its laughs-per-episode number is skewed slightly by the fact that each instalment is only just long enough to qualify for a slot in the BARB ratings figures. It consistently packs a punch, though - and that reliability factor is important. It will get you through those moments when you may feel Morgan has taken too wild a flight of fancy, or you start to wonder how a jobless Northern layabout can suddenly afford to jump on a plane to Turkey for major cosmetic surgery. Some of the laughs come directly from lines in the script, such as this observation from Mandy's best friend Lola (Michelle Greenidge), "Dating apps are for teenagers, perverts and married people." Then you have the gloriously silly little touches, such as the operating system on Mandy's call centre computer being called Wyndows 9to5, the detective duo investigating a local drug dealer going by the names DCI Lambert and DS Butler, or characters asking for "that drink John Hamm has in Mad Men." There's also a certain unexpected edginess to Mandy at times. Boundaries may not be crossed, but the show does sail close to the wind. One episode features a particularly gross assault-by-vomit on a child, which calls to mind the best-forgotten excesses of Little Britain. Another episode, which sees Mandy going on a date with a guy in a wheelchair, may also raise a few eyebrows on the grounds of insensitivity. Morgan even dips her toe into current affairs, with what could be seen as an attempt to sabotage her chances of getting a fifth series. When Mandy wrongly accuses the long-suffering benefits adviser (Tom Masden) of sexually harassing her, she warns him she'll keep the accusation in her back pocket until "BBC News want to get out of the office to investigate perverts who don't work in the building." Perhaps Mandy's most reliable source of laughs is its physical comedy, which follows in the footsteps of greats such as Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson, and Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer. There's plenty of over-the-top slapstick violence in this series, while the aforementioned plastic surgery episode boasts a set piece so ridiculously brilliant it may make you weep with laughter. Without wishing to spoil things too much, I'm also happy to report that Morgan saves the best till last. Mandy's date with Paddy McGuinness features a fabulous camouflage-based gag that is played to perfection. You know it's coming, but then it starts to feel like it might not happen, and you begin to wonder whether it will ever arrive. So much so that you almost miss it when it finally does. You will be delighted to hear that the show's other main source of laughs is still going strong. Morgan is still managing to come up with awful jobs for Mandy to try out. The series begins with her explaining that she only lasted 40 minutes as a Dog Food Taster because "They wanted me to taste dog food!" Her stint as a customer services rep at a call centre ends after her boss plays her a medley of her interactions with the customers, including the beautifully poetic "You can take your f***ing refund and shove it up your s***pipe, mate." And her short shift at the local chip shop is over the minute she decides to give her overbearing boss the Lisa Faulkner in Spooks treatment. Suffice it to say, Mandy ends the series just as unemployed and unemployable as she began it. Which is good news for us because, as Morgan has pointed out in the past, if Mandy ever found a job she could actually do, then the show would probably be over. "Nothing would happen," Morgan explained. "It would just be Mandy sat at a desk." True. To be fair though, I'd probably watch that. Mandy S4 streams on BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Celebrity Gogglebox star breaks silence after Channel 4 replacement fears
Celebrity Gogglebox stars Shaun Ryder and Bez have addressed their future on the Channel 4 show Celebrity Gogglebox star Shaun Ryder has broken his silence after Channel 4 replacement fears. In a recent episode of the hit reality show, which features celebrities commenting on television programmes, Shaun and his Happy Mondays bandmate Bez were notably absent, sparking rumours among viewers. Earlier this month, their absence caused a stir among fans, before they returned for the series finale last week (July 11), much to the relief of viewers. Addressing the rumours, Shaun confirmed: "We haven't left or anything like that, no. Have we heck." He clarified the reason behind their brief disappearance, saying: "This time there's like seven episodes or something and we have filmed five or six, but no we haven't left," reports the Express. Shaun continued: "We love it. Bez comes round to mine and brings loads of s*** like ice cream and sweets and everything. The two girls [his daughters] would go mad if we stopped doing it because we get loads of free stuff!" During the recent season finale, Shaun and Bez were joined by the likes of Rylan Clark and his mum, Linda, Diversity stars Perri Kiely and Jordan Banjo, and This Morning hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. The famous faces shared their thoughts on popular programmes including the new season of Squid Game, First Dates, Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection, Match Me Abroad, and Netflix's fresh reality show, Building the Band. Shaun and Bez have been entertaining viewers on Celebrity Gogglebox since 2019 with their witty takes on various TV shows. Their unique brand of humour has won them many fans, some of whom are even campaigning for the iconic duo to get their own spin-off show. One fan took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to exclaim: "Shaun and Bez are hilarious... Can they not have their own show!!!" Another added: "Whichever channel gives Bez and Shaun their own show is on to a winner #CelebrityGogglebox," while a third said: "Would have to be C4 cause the beep machine would wear out". The Happy Mondays are set to take the stage at Colchester Castle Summer Series on Friday, August 22, with tickets already up for grabs. With the capacity to welcome up to 10,000 music lovers, the Colchester Castle Summer Series is gearing up to be the city's biggest musical extravaganza in recent memory. Set against the backdrop of one of England's most historic and picturesque settings, this event promises an array of live performances that are sure to be etched in memory.
Leader Live
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrexham Lager unveiled as lager partner for Deva Fest
Taking place between August 7 and 10 at Cholmondeley Castle, Deva Fest will see headline acts like Gloria Gaynor, The Fratellis, Happy Mondays, Matt Goss and Dj Sigala all perform. Wrexham Lager (4% ABV) will be the festival's official lager, with all on-site bars serving the award-winning high-quality lager. Deva Fest's iconic Big Top will also be renamed as the Wrexham Lager Big Top as part of the collaboration. The event promises to be its biggest celebration yet, offering a weekend of live music, family-friendly entertainment and festival magic. Jon Roberts, interim CEO of The Wrexham Lager Beer Co said 'Our new partnership with Deva Fest is more than just serving pints, it's about sharing our story, our taste and celebrating the best of local culture. "This collaboration allows us to share not only our signature taste but also the spirit of community and craftsmanship that defines our brand." Read more He added: 'We're thrilled to be part of a weekend filled with incredible live music, side-splitting comedy, and vibrant entertainment. It's an honour to raise a pint with Deva Fest and be part of something that brings people together in such a meaningful way.' Phil Marston, festival director at Deva Fest, said: 'We're absolutely delighted to welcome Wrexham Lager as our official lager partner for 2025. As a proudly regional brand with deep roots and an incredible heritage, Wrexham Lager is a perfect fit for Deva Fest. "The renaming of our Big Top to the Wrexham Lager Big Top is just the start of what promises to be an exciting and flavour-filled partnership. We can't wait for our festival-goers to enjoy a proper pint while taking in the amazing line-up we have planned this summer.' The news follows Wrexham Lager Beer Co signing a three-year partnership with Bangor-On-Dee racecourse, further solidifying the brand's presence across the region, as well as significant international expansion over the past 12 month into the US, Canadian, Australian, Hungarian, Scandinavian and Northern Ireland markets.
The Irish Sun
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Oasis plan huge £200k party after Wembley shows to celebrate success of first part of reunion tour with celebs pals
THERE may be a lack of cigarettes and alcohol on their tour rider. But that is not going to stop 12 Noel and Liam Gallagher held hands as they came on stage at Heaton Park in front of 80,000 fans Credit: SWNS 12 Liam holds his tambourine in his mouth Credit: Pacific Coast News 12 There was a Pep cut-out on stage next to Noel Credit: Pacific Coast News 12 Oasis returned to Manchester for the first of five homecoming gigs Credit: instagram/oasis I have been told the band are planning to splash £200,000 on a huge party following their shows in London. The lads are set to kick off the first of their seven dates at Wembley Stadium this month. And following their final UK show in September, the band will be able to catch up with celebrity pals before heading to South Korea in October. A source told me: 'Liam and Noel are staying away from the booze and parties during the tour to protect their voices. Read More on Showbiz 'They are looking forward to catching up with pals in September following the success of the tour. There will be no expense spared and guests with an invitation can expect to be given the VIP treatment.' On Friday, Oasis returned to Manchester for the first of five homecoming gigs. Man City fans Before performing D'You Know What I Mean?, Liam said: 'I'd like to dedicate this next tune to the greatest manager of all time, the one and only Pep Guardiola.' Most read in Bizarre There was even a life-size cut-out of Pep in a Before the gig, Pep posed with Liam's sons Pep Guardiola and stunning daughter Maria belt out Oasis classic as Man City boss parties with Gallagher family at gig Gene wrote: 'Pic of the century alright, now everyone else f*** off.' Elsewhere, celebrities including The 1975's Matty Healy, Radio 2 host Vernon Kay, and Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder, pictured with Corrie actor Andy Whyment, packed into the crowd in 30C heat. Fans unable to get their hands on tickets made the most of the night, singing along to But those attempting to scale the fence to get in the stadium were stopped in their tracks. Footage on TikTok showed one fan climbing a ladder to get into the concert before being stopped by police. Greater Manchester Police confirmed six arrests were made, but the event passed without any serious incidents. While hogging the limelight with the huge shows, Oasis also have a monopoly on the Official Albums Chart. Their greatest hits compilation Time Flies . . . 1994-2009 is currently at No1, with albums 12 Matty Healy and TikToker Kate Tampion Credit: X/The 1975 TH 12 Corrie's Elle Mulvaney Credit: instagram/ellejmulvaney BRANDS BATTLE LIAM and Noel are in a legal dispute with fashion chain Oasis. The rockers have applied to trademark the band's classic logo – with white writing and a black border – for a merch range including clothes, jewellery, toys and cards, computer games and cosmetics. But the application submitted to the Intellectual Property Office hit a snag, as the clothing company of the same name has officially opposed it. The brand, now owned by online retailer the Debenhams Group, has black writing and a white background. MAN City forward And he got emotional while talking about his love for the club afterwards. 12 Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood at the Oasis gig Stopping to chat to a fan in a His future at the club is still uncertain. Whatever happens Jack, don't look back in anger. LIAM'S ex-wife Patsy Kensit is recovering from a broken shoulder, after falling off a treadmill while training with a weighted backpack in the gym for Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. IT'S ELO AND GOODBYE FROM JEFF Tonight's farewell performance in London has been called off. 12 Jeff Lynne was devastated after being forced to cancel ELO's last-ever live show due to illness Credit: Getty The rockers were due on the Great Oak stage at Hyde Park's BST – for their final date on The Over and Out Tour. Fans were told in a statement: 'Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report he will not be able to perform. 'He has been battling a systemic infection and is currently in the care of a team of doctors, who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time, nor will he be able to reschedule. 'The legacy of the band and his long-time fans are foremost in Jeff's mind. 'And while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time.' It comes days after the band also cancelled their gig at Manchester's Co-Op Arena on Thursday. Last month Jeff, 77, had to perform with a broken hand and was not able to play his guitar during their first night in Birmingham. He told the audience: 'You might be wondering, I have had a guitar in my hand my entire life, but I was riding in a taxi in London that slammed on its brakes to avoid an accident and I broke my hand.' He added: 'Don't worry, but nothing could keep me away from you.' The band formed in 1970 and their hits include Mr Blue Sky, Don't Bring Me Down and Evil Woman. Ticket holders were urged to head to the BST website for details about refunds. RADIO 1 host YouTuber GK joined the station in the weekend afternoon slot this month. 12 Dean McCullough has revealed he would love to team up with new presenter GK Barry Credit: Getty 12 GK joined the station in the weekend afternoon slot this month Credit: Getty Dean, who does the weekday early breakfast show and became pals with GK on I'm A Celebrity last year, told Biz on Sunday: 'I miss having a co-host on Radio 1. 'I would love to do it with GK – she is so brave. But I think they would have to pull us off air after just one show because of the s**t we talk about.' I would 100 per cent tune in for that. TINIE'S THE BUSINESS AS DRAGON I am told the rapper, who is worth an estimated £7million, filmed episodes earlier this year and invested in three businesses. 12 Tinie Tempah has become a new business backer on BBC series Dragons' Den Credit: Getty A source said: 'Tinie has had massive success in business and wanted to help start-ups from diverse backgrounds get into the game. 'Tinie loved hearing the stories of entrepreneurs on the show and learned a lot from the experience.' In 2021, he invested in software company Gener8 after its founder appeared in front of the Dragons. Aside from his rapping, Tinie founded the record label Disturbing London, publishing company Imhotep and men's fashion label What We Wear. Asked about his advice on starting a business, Tinie previously said: 'Do your research depending on what you want to do, research people who have done similar things, have a bit of confidence and just remember to network. 'Be social, be charismatic and work with people you would like to do business with.' Tinie, real name He went on to have seven UK No1s and is due to release his latest single Eat It Up on Friday. He is also working on a campaign with the Night Time Industries Association called The Last Night Out, to protect the UK nightclub scene. It looks like Tinie has a busy year ahead. KATE FINDS SPOT FOR NEIL YOUNG KATE MOSS got into the festival spirit at The supermodel looked chic in a leopard-print maxi dress as she watched 12 Kate Moss got into the festival spirit at British Summer Time in London's Hyde Park Credit: Eroteme Kate was holding a beer as she walked around enjoying herself. She headed home before the end of the show on Friday night and was overheard praising a pal who came with her, saying: 'She's like my bodyguard.' Elsewhere,
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Celebrity Gogglebox fans say same thing after celeb 'replacement' fears
Channel 4 viewers said the same thing just minutes into the season finale Celebrity Gogglebox fans said the same thing on Friday (July 11) after recent star "replacement" fears. Last week, Channel 4 viewers were left reeling after fan-favourite stars, Shaun Ryder and his friend Bez, were noticeably absent from the line-up of famous faces. The former Happy Mondays bandmates have been part of Celebrity Gogglebox since 2019, and are known for offering their humorous commentary on various TV shows. After Shaun and Bez didn't appear on last week's episode, many viewers were left concerned that the pair had been scrapped from the show. However, fans were relieved to see the pair back on their sofa during tonight's season finale. After spotting Shaun and Bez on the programme, legions of viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their excitement. "Glad we've got Shaun and Bez back this week," one person wrote, with another adding: "Hooray! Shaun and Bez are back! #CelebrityGogglebox is saved!" A third said: "I love Shaun and Bez on #Gogglebox. Always hilarious." A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: "So happy Shaun and Bez are back on screen, wasn't the same without them last week." This week, Shaun and Bez were joined by the likes of Rylan Clark and his mum, Linda, Diversity stars Perri Kiely and Jordan Banjo, and This Morning hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham and multi-award-winning musician Tim Minchin also made their debut appearance on the show, with fans quickly praising their dynamic. "Please have Hannah Waddingham and Tim Minchin on more episodes, they are fabulous," one person wrote on X, with another similarly sharing: "Ooh, Hannah Waddingham and Tim Minchin! Brilliant!" Tonight's episode saw the celebrities react to the latest season of Squid Game, First Dates, Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection, Match Me Abroad and Netflix's new reality series, Building the Band.
