Latest news with #LesRencontresduPapotin
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
ITV viewers break down in tears at new show hailed 'television at its best' - begging bosses for 'another series and longer episodes'
ITV viewers have broken down in tears at a new show hailed 'television at its best' - and have begged bosses for 'another series and longer episodes'. The Assembly, which hit our screens last weekend (April 26), sees a number of celebrities questioned by a group of people who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled. The programme has already seen actors Danny Dyer and David Tennant get quizzed, and Little Mix 's Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker will be grilled later on in the series. It has received rave reviews since it aired and many have flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts. One said: 'Just watch #TheAssembly with Danny dyer what a fantastic show, I ended up crying my eyes out, very emotional but fantastic questions it was great.' 'Just finished watching The Assembly. Unbelievable television. Heartwarming, and honest from beautiful people. Danny Dyer and David Tennant are superb, the singing is superb, loved every minute.' 'This show better be renewed and for longer episodes and a longer run. It's so heartwarming and television at its best.' 'Watching #TheAssembly on ITVX, wow what a brilliant idea with no questions off limit and I'm sure the celebrities got as much out of it as the interviewers. Hope they make more episodes.' 'Anybody watch #TheAssembly on STV (ITV I suppose) bloody hell.. I'm a blubbering wreck.' 'I have just watched #TheAssembly and I was crying my eyes out, so emotional, what a great programme, what I love about you is you are honest and what you see is what you get, I wish more people in the media were like that! Now let's see what Mr Tennant's is like.' 'What a series. One episode after the other- original, challenging, creative and emotional. Leaves you feeling wanting more.' 'OMG how beautiful is The Assembly? Unmissable uplifting television. 10/10.' ITV's official synopsis reads: 'Each episode of The Assembly sees a different celebrity forced to cast aside everything they were ever taught by their media trainers as they face their most honest, funny, chaotic – and heartwarming – interview yet. 'The celebrities on the line-up – to be announced in due course – come from various corners of the showbiz world, and with each of them enjoying illustrious careers in their respective fields, the list of subject matters for our unique collective to explore is endless. And it has received rave reviews since it aired and many have flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts 'No area is out of bounds and no question is off the table. Carefully considered PR fluff won't cut it on this show!' The Assembly first aired on the BBC and the 30-minute pilot starred Michael Sheen. But this show is based on the French show Les Rencontres du Papotin, which was created by Kiosco TV and Quad Ten, and is distributed by Can't Stop Media. Director of Entertainment & Daytime ITV Katie Rawcliffe said of the new show: 'The Assembly is such a distinct, clever and authentic format, and one that we're absolutely thrilled to commission for a full first series for ITV1 and ITVX. 'I can't wait for The Assembly interviewers to ask our brilliant cast of celebrities a plethora of burning questions, which will no doubt make for must watch TV.' Executive Producers for Rockerdale Studios, Michelle Singer and Stu Richards, added: 'We're absolutely buzzing to be bringing The Assembly to ITV and delighted that, just like us, the team there want to see more of telly's most mischievous cast putting proper famous types under the microscope. 'This show will be funny and naughty and warm and smart and, bloody hell, we've got ourselves all worked up now… 'We just cannot wait to make it.' It comes after singer Jade - who shot to fame as part of Little Mix on The X Factor in 2011 - admits that she 'sold her soul' for fame as she slammed Simon Cowell on the show. During her episode, she's asked if she felt as if she had 'sold her soul', to which she replied: 'You've trumped me. Maybe a little bit in the beginning. I was so young and I just signed on the dotted line. 'But as the years have gone by I've learned more and more about the industry 'I've been collecting — a bit like [Marvel superhero] Thanos with the stones — I've been collecting parts of my soul back as I've gained more creative freedom.' The Assembly airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
Metro
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
ITV viewers are sobbing over new series that's 'television at its best'
A new no-holds barred interview series with celebrities has left viewers 'in tears' tuning in. Launching last week, the ITV series The Assembly is based on the French show Les Rencontres du Papotin that aired in 2022 and featured notable figures including Killing Eve star Camille Cottin and even President Emmanuel Macron. It sees celebrities being questioned by a group of inquisitive interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled, with no topic or questions off limits. In the years since the format has been adapted in several other countries, including Australia, Denmark, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The four-episode British season features EastEnders star Danny Dyer, Doctor Who's David Tennant, Little Mix musician Jade Thirwall and sports broadcaster Gary Lineker. In the premiere episode Danny, 47, faced a string of personal questions in what he called 'the most open and honest interview that he's ever given'. He was asked about his wife throwing him out, directing some colourful language at former Prime Minister David Cameron, his dad having a secret family and his daughter Dani going on Love Island. The second episode then saw David, 54, hold back tears as he was asked about his history supporting the transgender community. Since tuning in, many people have praised the truly original show, with each episode also ending with a musical performance. 'What a special programme The Assembly is. First episode tonight was with Danny Dyer. Check it out. I'm not crying,' Eimear posted on X. 'I've been laughing and crying all through The Assembly,' Kate shared. 'Just finished watching The Assembly. Unbelievable television. Heartwarming, and honest from beautiful people. Danny Dyer and David Tennant are superb, the singing is superb, loved every minute,' Jeff wrote. 'This show better be renewed and for longer episodes and a longer run. It's so heartwarming and television at its best,' Danielle added. Others called it 'refreshing, genuine and beautiful'. More Trending Speaking to the Radio Times recently, the producers of The Assembly revealed it moved from the BBC to ITV as the national broadcaster could not afford to commission a full season. The show first began as a pilot on BBC One last April to celebrate Autism Acceptance Week, with Welsh actor Michael Sheen being that episode's guest subject. 'The BBC were very proud of the show, and it's been nominated for awards…but they simply weren't in a position to afford to commission it,' executive producer Michelle Singer said. View More » The Assembly is streaming on ITVX. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Uncomfortable' moment David Tennant addresses Good Omens' Neil Gaiman's sexual assault allegations MORE: Straight white male actors need to follow David Tennant's example MORE: One of I'm A Celebrity's most legendary campmates 'tipped to return after 11 years'
Daily Record
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
David Tennant's heartbreak over wife's cancer scare which saw her organise her own funeral
David Tennant returns to screens tonight for brand new series, The Assembly. The exciting new show sees a range of celebrities such as Danny Dyer , David Tennant, Jade Thirwall and Gary Lineker all quizzed by a group of autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled interviewers. The Assembly is based on the format of French show Les Rencontres du Papotin, which has featured President Emmanuel Macron. A pilot of the show actually aired on the BBC last year starring Michael Sheen but the new series will air on ITV with four episodes. Last night saw former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer take the hot seat and tonight it's David Tennant's turn to be grilled about his life. The Doctor Who and Rivals actor lives a star-studded life as he also presents the BAFTAs but away from the spotlight, the Bathgate-born actor has a very normal home life and has been married to Georgia Moffat since 2011, who he met when she appeared on an episode of Doctor Who in 2008. The actress' mum and dad are stars Sandra Dickinson and Doctor Who legend Peter Davison, meaning David has some rather well-kent in-laws. And their eldest son Ty - who David adopted when he met Georgia - is an actor now too in his own right, having starred in Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. Back in 2020, the couple appeared on That Gaby Roslin Podcast where they opened up about the early days of their relationship. "I very much forced it into happening, didn't I?" said Georgia. "I was very much the driving force. Had I not worked quite so hard, it might not have happened." David replied: "That makes it sound like I was resistant, which was not what happened. I thought we were an unlikely life partnership, I suppose. There is a bit of an age gap. "Because Doctor Who had run through my life like a stick of rock, to end up marrying the daughter of one of the Doctors, it all felt a bit stupid... that wasn't really likely to happen. So there were a lot of things against it." Georgia first appeared on screens at the age of 15, playing Nicky Davey on Peak Practice in 1999 and she's also known for her recurring role as Abigail Nixon in The Bill from 2007-2009, as well as being mother to her and David's five children. However, back in 2023, Good Omens star Tennant's happy home life was rocked when Georgia was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The mum-of-five said a simple smear test saved her life but admitted she'd been planning her own funeral after abnormalities were spotted. She said the test "stopped, beat and cut out" her cancer before it had time to spread. However, the actress admitted she had begun planning her own funeral after seeing abnormalities in her test. In her personal blog post from 2018, she urged women to book smear tests so that they can avoid similar situations. Sharing a picture of herself in her hospital gown at the time, she wrote: "Here I am on February 22, 2018. Although 'tis indeed a fetching look, if you'd like to learn more about why you should never miss a smear test please read the story attached in bio #cervicalscreeningawarenessweek." Georgia continued: "Before I'd made it up upstairs to tell my husband, I'd started planning my funeral. Having kids takes you to that place pretty quickly I find." Recalling the time when she returned to the doctor's office, Georgia found out she had CIN 2 - known as pre-cancer. Doctors were then forced to perform a cervical excision on the actress. The mum-of-five penned: "The lovely doctor called yesterday. Results are back. It was cancer. They've got it all but it was cancer. Survived cancer without ever realising I had it. As you can tell I'm still processing this, it's quite a thing to get your head round. "My betraying little cervix had begun an attempt to kill me off and by a stroke of baffling luck I had stopped it, beat it, cut it out before it had a chance to make it out of the starting gates (that's dog racing speak for 'hadn't spread beyond the layers they'd already removed')." She added: "Survived cancer without ever realising I had it. As you can tell I'm still processing this, it's quite a thing to get your head round. The swirling storm cloud of 'what ifs?'. I'm currently half terrified child, half superhero." Georgia then urged others to take the smear test, as she wrote: "If the first part of the story didn't hit home, I hope this bit does. From borderline changes to cancer to cancer free in mere months. It really could have been a different story. One I will be forever grateful I didn't have to tell."
Irish Independent
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
What to watch on TV and streaming today: The Assembly, Wrath of Man and You
The Assembly Virgin Media One, 10.05pm Cast your mind back to last April, and you may remember BBC One broadcasting an unusual chat show in which just one guest — Michael Sheen — was grilled by a group of more than 30 autistic, neurodivergent and learning disabled people. They asked the kind of off-the-wall, highly personal questions regular presenters know they would never get away with; there was certainly no opportunity to plug any new projects. The result was a hugely entertaining and, at times, genuinely moving programme. The show was based on the hit French series Les Rencontres du Papotin, whose interviewees include President Emmanuel Macron. Versions have since been made around the world, and we're about to be treated to a four-part run that will feature Sheen's old friend David Tennant (his episode can be seen tomorrow at 10.10pm), presenter Gary Lineker and singer Jade Thirlwall. But the series begins with former EastEnders star Danny Dyer. Never one to shy away from a challenge, nor afraid to speak his mind, even he is left dumbstruck by some of the queries his interviewers expect him to answer — he's probed about his working-class credentials, his religious beliefs and even his digestive system. 'This show will be funny and naughty and warm and smart and we've got ourselves all worked up now!' say Michelle Singer and Stu Richards from production company Rockerdale Studios. 'We just cannot wait for it.' Women's Six Nations 2025 Virgin Media One, 2pm Losing so spectacularly to England a fortnight ago may well have dented Ireland's confidence, but there's a good chance to claw some of it back when they face a lacklustre Scotland team at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh. Ireland claimed a 15-12 win when the teams met at Kingspan Stadium in last year's tournament. Rugbaí Beo/URC Live TG4, 2.55pm & RTÉ2, 4.45pm & 7.15pm Connacht's trip to Johannesburg to face Lions gets the day's United Rugby Championship coverage underway. That's followed by table-topping Leinster's journey to Scarlets, who are pushing for a place in the play-offs. Ulster's clash with Sharks at Kingspan Stadium brings the action to a close. The last three hopefuls in the competition are tasked with breathing new life into a disused building, working together to turn it into something special. They also have to stage a water-based activity they believe would appeal to tourists. Who will make it through to the final? Wrath of Man Channel 4, 9pm Director Guy Ritchie re-teams with star Jason Statham for their fourth film together. A security guard's new colleagues suspect he's hiding a secret about his past after he displays extraordinary skills to foil a robbery. The Killing Fields RTÉ One, 11.50pm Moving, Oscar-winning drama based on the friendship that developed between US journalist Sydney Schanberg (Sam Waterston) and his Cambodian guide Dith Pran (Haing S Ngor) while working together to report on the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge during the 1970s. Wear Whatever The F You Want Prime Video, streaming now Also returning to New York for another season, we have Clinton Kelly and Stacy London inspiring those in a fashion funk to express their unique style, even if it breaks all the style rules. You Netflix, streaming now I won't lie, I haven't viewed even a single episode of this on account of the hammy narration provided by Penn Badgley's psychotic Joe (watching through Gogglebox was more than enough) and the parade of gormless sorts he's managed to slay on both sides of the Atlantic. Now, for season 5 (yes, five seasons) and 'the killer finale', he's back in New York to address yet more skeletons in his closet. Havoc Netflix, streaming now To save a politician's estranged son after a failed drug deal, a perpetually dishevelled detective (Tom Hardy) rampages through the criminal underworld, revealing layers of corruption permeating East LA. This is quite the filming feat, given it was partially shot in the mean streets of Barry Island Pleasure Park, Wales. Chronicling Freddie Flintoff's remarkable cricket career, multitude of presenting gigs (A League of Their Own, Living With Bulimia, Australian Ninja Warrior), two Ashes wins with England, his status as a national sporting icon, and his return to cricket after a life-altering Top Gear car crash in 2022. If you only visit Disney+ to watch Star Wars-related fodder, there are new episodes of Andor: A Star Wars Story.
Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Danny Dyer: 'I know the perks of fame are great - but there's a hidden cruelty too'
Danny Dyer has agreed to be grilled in The Assembly. However, the EastEnders star is concerned that some aspects of fame may be gruelling for his neurodivergent co-stars. Appearing in a new groundbreaking show for ITV alongside a remarkable panel of neurodivergent and/or learning disabled interviewers, Danny Dyer fears fame might be difficult to handle for his co-stars. The EastEnders legend, 47, knows a thing or two about being in the hot seat. From long-running soap stardom to high-octane press tours, he's navigated the spotlight for decades. But nothing quite prepared him for The Assembly, due on ITV on April 26. 'I'd been doing a lot of press because [filming took place] around the time of the release of my film, Marching Powder,' Danny says. 'I was getting really bored of my own voice, but this revitalised me. It got me excited about being interviewed again.' While the experience was overwhelmingly positive, Danny – who found fame young, growing up on our screens in The Bill before pulling pints in the Queen Vic – is keenly aware of the pressures that come with the spotlight. 'The cast of The Assembly are all very authentic. They have no masks,' Danny says. 'So I do have concerns about fame for some of them.' He now hopes the panel is shielded from the darker side of fame. 'The perks are great but there's also a cruelty that comes with it – especially online,' he says. 'That concerns me slightly. I hope they're treated with the respect that they deserve.' Adapted from the acclaimed French show Les Rencontres du Papotin, which has seen high-profile guests like President Emmanuel Macron and House Of Gucci star Camille Cottin take the chair, The Assembly puts fame under the microscope in the most disarming and emotionally charged way possible. With no questions off the table, guests must abandon PR-approved soundbites and embrace raw, unfiltered honesty. Last year, The Assembly's one-off pilot on the BBC featured Good Omens star Michael Sheen. Now the show has been snapped up by ITV for a four-part series version, working closely with neurodivergent communities and advocacy groups to ensure the show speaks directly to and for those it represents. The concept is as powerful as it is simple: one celebrity, one room, and a panel of inquisitive interviewers who don't play by traditional media rules. The result? Unpredictable, hilarious, moving conversations that reveal more than any press junket ever could. Danny is one of four celebrities to step into the room for the new series, alongside football legend and broadcaster Gary Lineker, Doctor Who and Rivals actor David Tennant and Little Mix 's Jade Thirlwall. Each brings their own fame, stories and secrets to the table. During his own chat, Danny sat with the panel for three hours, diving deep into every corner of his life – from his working-class upbringing to the complexities of fatherhood, marriage and fame. He opens up about his dramatic exit from EastEnders, including what he really thought about his character Mick Carter's romance with Walford villainess Janine Butcher. He even reflects on his initial discomfort with his daughter Dani Dyer entering Love Island in 2018. The show doesn't shy away from personal pain either. Danny candidly opens up about being kicked out by his now-wife Joanne Mas, long before they wed in 2016 after she proposed to him. Still, he admits that earning the trust of the panel wasn't immediate. 'It took a while for everybody to trust me in the room, and I think they did,' he says. But the exercise was worth a try. 'This was probably the most open and honest interview that I've ever given. I trusted everybody in the room,' he says, 'Opening up about my feelings in front of such a beautiful, intelligent and honest group of people was really refreshing.' Behind his trademark no-nonsense humour, Danny shows his vulnerable side too. 'I'm quite naturally an emotional person anyway; I'm very sensitive,' he says. 'It was a moving experience.' Each interview ends with a surprise: a musical performance from the in-house musicians, all of whom are neurodivergent. It's a cathartic release after emotional highs and lows. Neurodivergent people are still too often misunderstood, misrepresented or excluded. Conditions like autism and ADHD are routinely dismissed or misdiagnosed and mainstream media has only just started to make space for neurodiverse voices as powerful agents of storytelling. Danny is all in for the show to keep pushing boundaries, inviting guests to reflect on the emotional undercurrents of their public lives. He'd even love to take it a step further. 'I would like any politician to be in the hot seat,' he says. 'I would like to see them squirming trying to answer the beautiful questions.' Packed with big laughs and standout celebrity moments, the show offers neurodivergent and learning disabled people centre stage for their brilliance, insight and humour. The result is telling. Danny may have arrived at The Assembly tired of his own voice, but he left with a new one – honest, emotional and re-energised.
