Latest news with #HayFestivalofLiteratureandArts
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lorraine Kelly says Mariah Carey was 'refreshed' and Lady Gaga never showed for interviews
ITV chat show host Lorraine Kelly has interviewed a whole host of A-listers over the years, but it appears two stand out for all the wrong reasons. Lorraine Kelly has been at the helm of her self-titled ITV daytime show for 15 years and within that period she has chatted with thousands of A-listers. Recently though, Lorraine shed light on the two celebrities who delivered the least pleasant experiences during their time together. Speaking at the 2025 Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, a bold audience member fished for juicy revelations. Not shy about naming favourites, Lorraine warmly recalled her time with George Clooney. "George Clooney is adorable. He just is. He's my favourite," Lorraine gushed over. Yet it appears that encounters with personalities like Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga weren't quite as charming, each leaving a different kind of sour note. Lorraine disclosed that conversing with Mariah Carey was a bizarre ordeal. Reflecting on the peculiar situation, Lorraine explained: "The one that was difficult, not because she was horrible... but Mariah Carey was 'refreshed'. It's good we were [pre-recording] it because her first answer was 10 minutes long, and did not make any sense. "But I always give people the benefit of the doubt." When it came to Lady Gaga, the songstress kept Lorraine on tenterhooks for an exasperating five or six hours, all ending in no actual interview, reports the Mirror. Exasperated, Lorraine recalled: "They kept saying 'she's getting in the car, she's getting in the car', and of course my crew have all been up since God knows when... they need to go home to bed!" Lorraine then shared, "She never turned up; I don't know what happened there." The host's revelations come in the wake of speculation that she might leave her morning ITV show at the end of next year, following a significant reshuffle of the daytime schedule. Lorraine will now only be broadcast for 30 weeks a year instead of throughout the year, with each episode being reduced from an hour to 30 minutes. A source disclosed to the Mirror: "Lorraine was not happy about what is happening and also had concern for the production team which will be cut back too." A source informed The Sun on Sunday: "Lorraine was asked if she wanted to retire, having just celebrated her 40 years on breakfast TV, but she instead chose to see out her contract. "Bosses thought it would be an ideal opportunity for her to spend more time with family, especially given how little she was on her own show last year. Many think it is unlikely she will stay on after her current contract and that is further proven by the fact that the boss of her show will be part-time and on a one-year contract. "She is a hugely valued member of the ITV history and is likely to do other shows at the channel, with some thinking she may explore documentaries, travelogues and passion projects." The Mirror has reached out to a representative of Lorraine for comment. It's not only Lorraine's show that's been impacted by the cuts. Loose Women will also occupy the 12.30-1.30pm slot on a seasonal basis of 30 weeks. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Lorraine Kelly exposes the two 'worst celebrities' she's ever interviewed
Lorraine Kelly has opened up on the two worst A-Lister's she's ever interviewed during her long standing TV career - and one didn't even show up Lorraine Kelly has hosted her self-titled ITV daytime show since 2010, and in that time has interviewed thousands of celebs. Now, the star has exposed the two A-Listers she had the worst experience with. During an appearance at the 2025 Hay Festival of Literature and Arts - one fan wanted all the dirt, and wasn't afraid to ask. Starting off with her favourite, it was no surprise that Lorraine chose heartthrob George Clooney. "George Clooney is adorable. He just is. He's my favourite," the host gushed. However, it looks like neither superstars Mariah Carey or Lady Gaga lived up to the mark - both for very different reasons. First up, the star revealed that Mariah Carey just "didn't make sense." Opening up on the complex interview, Lorraine said: "The one that was difficult, not because she was horrible... but Mariah Carey was 'refreshed'. It's good we were [pre-recording] it because her first answer was 10 minutes long, and did not make any sense. "But I always give people the benefit of the doubt," the understanding host continued. As for Lady Gaga, the Poker Face singer had Lorraine waiting for five or six hours, and what's more, the interview never even happened. "They kept saying 'she's getting in the car, she's getting in the car', and of course my crew have all been up since God knows when... they need to go home to bed!" Lorraine then revealed: "She never turned up; I don't know what happened there." The revelations from the host comes after she was tipped to quit her morning ITV show at the end of next year following a major shakeup to the daytime schedule. Lorraine will now air only 30 weeks a year instead of all year, with episodes cut to 30 minutes from an hour. A source told the Mirror: 'Lorraine was not happy about what is happening and also had concern for the production team which will be cut back too. A source told The Sun on Sunday: 'Lorraine was asked if she wanted to retire, having just celebrated her 40 years on breakfast TV, but she instead chose to see out her contract. "Bosses thought it would be an ideal opportunity for her to spend more time with family, especially given how little she was on her own show last year. Many think it is unlikely she will stay on after her current contract and that is further proven by the fact that the boss of her show will be part-time and on a one-year contract. 'She is a hugely valued member of the ITV history and is likely to do other shows at the channel, with some thinking she may explore documentaries, travelogues and passion projects.' The Mirror has contacted a representative of Lorraine for comment. It's not only Lorraine's show that's suffered from the cuts. Loose Women will be in the 12.30-1.30pm slot for a seasonal basis of 30 weeks too.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Lorraine Kelly left baffled after very awkward Mariah Carey moment
Lorriane Kelly has revealed Mariah Carey has been one of the more 'difficult' A-listers she has come to face with as she reflected on her self-titled talk show Lorraine Kelly was left scratching her head after working with Mariah Carey. The telly star has fronted her self-titled ITV programme since 2010 having also appeared on the likes of Good Morning Britain, GMTV, Daybreak and This Morning. But while she's come face-to-face with some of the biggest names in entertainment, the 65-year-old has also had her fair share of awkward run-ins. And one encounter with music icon Mariah Carey will remain at the top of the list when it comes to odd experiences. But it wasn't because Mariah was "horrible," instead, Lorraine simply for the All I Want For Christmas hitmaker to be very confusing. Speaking at the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, the broadcaster opened up to fans who had been eagerly waiting to grill her on her impressive career. She said: "The one that was difficult, not because she was horrible... but Mariah Carey was 'refreshed'. It's good we were [pre-recording] it because her first answer was 10 minutes long, and did not make any sense. But I always give people the benefit of the doubt." However, another interview with a major star left Lorraine utterly perplexed as the celebrity didn't arrive for the interview. Recalling the time she was scheduled to interview Lady Gaga, Lorraine told the crowd: "They kept saying 'she's getting in the car, she's getting in the car', and of course my crew have all been up since God knows when... They need to go home to bed! "She never turned up; I don't know what happened there." The comments come after the Mirror revealed that Lorraine is fighting to secure the future of her show. Sources claim that the Scottish star will have to "pull out all the stops" for it to survive. It was announced last week that the programme had been affected by the major shake-up at ITV. It will now air for 30 weeks of the year, rather than all year round. And the duration of the programme has been cut from an hour to just half an hour. A source said: "Lorraine was not happy about what is happening and also had concern for the production team which will be cut back too. But the truth is she has to roll her sleeves up and work harder on her own show than she has in recent years, otherwise the long-term future does not look good." They went on to add: "She has been an icon of ITV but serious cuts need to be made and her show has been cut to just 30 minutes, which after ad breaks will be a very short chunk of time. She needs to show bosses it is worth keeping on air. You can expect her to be pulling hard to get big name celebrities on her show instead of GMB or This Morning." The star was made aware of the cuts in a private meeting with bosses and she will now work five days per week in order to give the programme the best chance of staying on screens. Staff at ITV were told last Tuesday that half of the 440 members of the production team would lose their jobs. Meanwhile, Good Morning Britain will be extended by 30 minutes every day, eating into Lorraine's soon-to-be former airtime. This Morning, despite plunging viewing figures remains unaffected. But Loose Women has also had its on-air time slashed and will also air for just half an hour for 30 weeks of the year. Many on the show are said to be feeling anxious about their future, with some of the older members of the panel allegedly feeling they may be replaced by younger stars, including Frankie Bridge, GK Barry and Olivia Attwood.
The Independent
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Hay Festival of Literature and Arts 2025 travel guide – things to do, hotels and more
The town of Hay-on-Wye is ready for a crowd of book lovers to descend on the Powys community for the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts. Celebrating creativity, literature, writing and words, the second-hand book capital of the world is hosting the annual Hay Festival for the 38th year. For 2025, guest speakers include Good Omens star Michael Sheen, The Good Place actor Jameela Jamil, artist Grayson Perry, comedian Miranda Hart, and musician and author Paloma Faith. ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly, actor Sara Pascoe, and activist Katie Piper are also set to pop up in Britain's leading town of literature during the 11-day gathering. This year's programme is bursting with more than 600 events. There are eight stages in the free-to-enter Dairy Meadows festival site, performances all week at St Mary's Church, and a host of exhibitors and market stalls. Aside from flipping pages, catching a stand-up set and getting crafty with the kids, there will be plenty of outdoor adventures, plates of local produce and, of course, bookshops to browse in historic Hay-on-Wye. Here's everything you need to know about where to stay, how to get there and what to do when the chapter ends for bibliophiles headed to Hay Festival. When is Hay Festival 2025? This year's edition of the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts spans 11 days, from 22 May to 1 June, and tickets are available to book at The best of bookshops Richard Booth's The creator of Hay – a beloved town of books – as we know it is immortalised in his own Richard Booth's Bookshop. Booth opened his first bookshop in Hay-on-Wye in 1962, and his love of second-hand literature led to the establishment of the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts by Peter Florence in 1988. The Poetry Bookshop Open since 1979, The Poetry Bookshop houses the 'most comprehensive' selection of new, second-hand and antiquarian poetry in the UK and is a top hit with lovers of stanzas by John Keats, William Wordsworth and Carol Ann Duffy. North Books North Books on Castle Street hosts author events, book clubs and craft groups, and is bursting with nooks for reading. They also hold 'bookshop breakfasts' for out-of-hours access to the seriously stocked shelves. Gay on Wye In 2023, bookshop and community centre Gay on Wye opened on Lion Street as a sanctuary for LGBT+ literature and queer storytelling. What to do in Hay-on-Wye Hay Market Day Held in the centre of Hay every Thursday for more than 700 years, Hay Market welcomes 40-plus independent traders in craft, cheese and record stalls, often complete with live music and street food. Canoe on the River Wye If the Welsh weather isn't matching up to your wild swimming plans, a cagoule-wearing paddle of the River Wye with Wye Valley Canoes starts from £35 per person. Hike the Brecon Beacons Step outside the festival for two-foot tours of the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog) to escape the crowds, or walk the 136-mile Wye Valley route and pass through Hay as you border hop between Wales and England. Paraglide off the top of Hay Bluff For a different kind of cliffhanger, Crickhowell Paragliding has tandem floats off the top of Hay Bluff and over the peaks and troughs of the Brecon Beacons from £199. Where to eat and drink Inside the festival, street eats meet jugs of Pimms and sweet treats, with everything from coffee shops to woodfired pizzas and sheep's milk ice cream. As for the town's top spots... The Old Black Lion For elevated pub grub and old-world charm, the Old Black Lion B&B is a historic haunt on the Welsh borders. Think jazz nights and traditional Sunday roasts wrapped up with spoonfuls of indulgent apple crumble. Hay Distillery This micro-distillery sells locally sourced Wild Knapp and Dr Beaky's gin, biodynamic wine and creative cocktails from a shop and tasting room in the centre of Hay. Chapters Make it Michelin guide quality with a weekend visit to Chapters restaurant on Lion Street for seasonal local menus of pickles, purees and sustainably sourced fish. Artistraw Cider Just outside of Hay, natural cider makers Tom and Lydia at Artistraw Cider offer tastings and tours from £45. The cidery and orchard is full of apple and perry pear trees with views of the Black Mountains – dreamy for sips of cider on a summer day. Where to stay By the Wye Follow the festival vibe to By the Wye for riverside glamping in eco-friendly safari tents and treehouses built for a cwtch. There's woodland wellness massages, scavenger hunts and bespoke hampers of local produce for traditional Welsh flavours at the rustic Herefordshire spot. Four-night stays for five adults from £380. Book now Duke's Farm For cosy holiday cottages in the Black Mountains, three barn conversions at Duke's Farm sleep couples or families looking for mountain views, oak timbers and fireside armchairs (perfect for curling up with a good book). Four-night stays for two adults from £284. Book now Kaya at Blackhill Farm Hunker down at Kaya at Blackhill Farm for glamping in a Dark Sky Reserve away from all the action. Tucked between the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons, there are yurts kitted out with all the home comforts, firepits for keeping warm and stars for gazing. Two-night stays for two adults from £340. Book now The Old Cider House In the heart of Hay-on-Wye, The Old Cider House has been renovated with a Japanese flair that spills into the furnishings, with hospitality from hosts Simon and Kazuko, and sushi-centric dinner menus. It's also the ideal base to explore Hay Market and the riot of bookshops on Castle Street. How to get there From central London, it's a four-hour drive to Hay-on-Wye, but with 193,679 tickets sold for last year's event, expect attendance to be high and the roads to be busy. The nearest railway station is at Hereford (21 miles from Hay) and Great Western Railway services depart from London Paddington via Newport for a five-hour journey to Hay. Last year a festival bus service ran between Worcester, Hereford and Hay for the duration of the festival, with an adult day return costing £14. A regular shuttle bus will also operate between the festival site and the town centre from 8am to 11.15pm; £5 per day.
