Latest news with #Panto
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Maura Higgins replaced on Love Island USA as new host revealed
New reports suggest Maura Higgins has been axed as the host of Love Island USA's Aftersun. The 34-year-old hosted just one series of the hit spin-off show, while also acting as social media presenter for the US edition of the main show. It is now believed that Sophie Monk, who fronts the Aussie version of the show, will take her place. New reports suggest Maura Higgins has been axed as the host of Love Island USA's Aftersun. Pic: Scott Garfitt/BAFTA via Getty Images The Longford beauty's departure from the show is allegedly due to scheduling conflicts, with fans speculating she may appear in the lineup for Traitors USA. A source told The Sun: 'Maura wasn't able to commit to hosting Aftersun this season due to other work commitments, but she will be back on screen in some capacity later in the run.' Love Island USA's official Instagram account shared a snap of Sophie as they welcomed her to the 'Aftersun family.' It seems there is no bad blood between the two presenters, with Maura herself commenting: 'Yess Queen!'. Maura may also have another islander coming for her job, as the latest addition to Love Island UK is being branded the next Maura Higgins. Panto star Megan Forte Clarke has signed up for the new series, starting on Monday, and of course, comparisons are already being made. A TV source said: 'Megan is a gorgeous girl, she's funny, and right now, couldn't be unluckier in love, making her the perfect Islander. Comparisons to Maura are inevitable, and if anything, Megan will see it as a huge compliment. The actress has a sizeable TikTok following, and it is there that she also brands herself as a 'modern Bridget Jones'.
ITV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Oldham Coliseum reopening delayed until next year after refurbishments hit 'bumps in the road'
The Oldham Coliseum Theatre will not be reopening in time for the 2025 pantomime season, the council has confirmed. The historic venue is currently undergoing a £10 million refurbishment, with the hopes of welcoming theatregoers back for its festive programme. However, unforeseen works have pushed the reopening date back, with the theatre on Fairbottom Street now expected to reopen in 2026. The 135-year-old theatre closed its doors in March 2023 following the loss of its Arts Council England funding, amid concerns about its management. The decision sparked a major public campaign to save the Coliseum, which ultimately led the council to scrap plans for a brand-new venue and instead commit to restoring the original building. Refurbishment works, led by contractors Tilbury Douglas, began earlier this year. But the discovery of significant asbestos within the walls and roof has led to delays, prompting the council to push back the reopening to ensure the building is safe and fully prepared. Council leader Arooj Shah said: 'It's disappointing not to be reopening the Fairbottom Street building for Panto 2025, especially as it's such a cherished part of Oldham's festive calendar. But with a project of this scale, unexpected issues can arise. "Rather than rush the process, we're taking the time to make sure everything is done properly. We owe it to the artists, staff and—most importantly—our audiences. "This is about creating a sustainable future for theatre in Oldham that will serve generations to come. I can't wait to open the doors in 2026.' Martina Murphy, CEO of the Oldham Coliseum Theatre production company, said she was 'gutted' by the delay but remained optimistic, promising the theatre would be 'back with a bang' once reopened. Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, a leading member of the Friends of Oldham Coliseum, also welcomed the decision to wait: 'The Friends are relieved that this year's panto has been put on hold. "Better to return with a beautiful, bold, and glittering bang than attempt something half-baked in a venue that isn't ready.' A council spokesperson confirmed that while the timeline has shifted, the refurbishment project remains within budget, and they are 'confident' the theatre will be fully operational by the 2026 panto season. In the meantime, the Coliseum's production team will continue delivering performances at other venues across the borough.
Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dublin panto star signs up for Love Island as TV bosses confirm full line-up
Love Island bosses have signed up a Maura Higgins lookalike from Dublin for this year's show. Panto star Megan Forte is originally from Dublin but lives in Brighton in the UK. The 24-year-old is a musical theatre performer and energy broker, who is looking for a man with a sense of humour when she goes into the villa - and she doesn't mind a man with a "dad bod". She said: "Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. "If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really." Megan says her claim to fame is going viral for a TikTok video she made about Derry Girls for Halloween. "Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto." According to her Instagram, Megan is represented by Russell Smith Associates talent agency. She is sure to bring the drama to the villa after she recently starred in Cinderella. Talking to her TikTok followers, she compared herself to unlucky-in-love Bridget Jones, musing: "I am the modern day Bridget Jones. Can I hold a man down? Don't be silly. Have I just been ghosted again? Absolutely. Am I still funny AF with great t*ts? Obvs." Speaking to the Mail about the inevitable comparisons between Megan and Love Island O.G Maura, a TV source said: "Megan is a gorgeous girl, she's funny, and right now, couldn't be unluckier in love, making her the perfect Islander. "Comparisons to Maura are inevitable and if anything, Megan will see it as a huge compliment." Maya Jama will be welcoming a cast of contestants looking for love into the famous villa at 9pm on Monday, June 9.
Extra.ie
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Maura this, please! Love Island's ‘new Higgins' set to enter the villa
Ireland's latest entry to the Love Island villa has an unusual claim to fame – she's best known for being… ugly! Panto star Megan Forte Clarke has signed up for the new series, starting next Monday. can reveal the Dubliner, who starred as one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella, will get pulses racing on the show – airing on ITV2 and Virgin Media Two – due to her 'Irish charm', which has sparked comparisons to Maura Higgins. A TV source said: 'Megan is a gorgeous girl, she's funny, and right now, couldn't be unluckier in love, making her the perfect Islander. Comparisons to Maura are inevitable, and if anything, Megan will see it as a huge compliment. Former Love Island contestant Maura Higgins. Pic: Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock ITV are yet to confirm the lineup this year officially, but with the launch just a week away, it won't be long.' The actress has a sizeable TikTok following, and it is there that she also brands herself as a 'modern Bridget Jones'. She said: 'Can I hold a man down? Don't be silly. Have I just been ghosted again? Absolutely. Am I still funny AF with great t*ts? Obvs.' Megan Forte Clarke is set to enter the Love Island villa this summer. Pic: File Megan, 24, has another distinguishing feature that won't go unnoticed: a Harry Potter-style lightning scar on her forehead, which she claims was a result of her 'slipping and falling down the stairs'. Soccer player Harry Cooksley and 6'5ft personal trainer Aaron Buckett are heading up the new batch of chaps, while beauties Shakira Khan and Sophie Lee are two of the girls lined up to appear. This year, the show celebrates a decade on screens. The series has seen 300 Islanders pass through the villa doors, including the likes of Olivia Attwood, Dani Dyer, Chris Hughes and Molly-Mae Hague. Dani, who married soccer player Jarrod Bowen on Saturday, has said her new mother-in-law voted for her and her ex-boyfriend, Jack Fincham, to win their series in 2018.
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders fans spot huge ‘clue' ANOTHER star is set to leave after Stacey Slater exit is confirmed
EASTENDERS fans have spotted a huge 'clue' that another star is set to leave the show - after Stacey Slater exit was confirmed. Soap legend Lacey Turner, 37, Advertisement 4 EastEnders fans have spotted a huge 'clue' that another star is set to leave the show - after Stacey Slater exit was confirmed Credit: BBC 4 Phil Mitchell has left fans feeling heartbroken at his tragic depression storylines Credit: BBC 4 Steve McFadden to appear in Panto as Aladdin in 2025 The actress will be off screens to focus on life and opportunities outside of Walford, but bosses have promised that there is lots of The star, who first joined the soap 21 years ago, has with hubby Matt Kay, a 5-year-old daughter named Dusty Violet, a 3-year-old son named Trilby Fox, and a baby daughter named Gipsy Olive, who was born in January, this year. Lacey told the Sun: 'It's time for myself and Stacey to take a rest and who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away? Knowing Stacey, it will never be boring." A soap insider said: "Lacey made the decision last year to take some time out from the show, she's had a busy year both on and off screen, so it feels a good time to give Stacey a rest. Advertisement EastEnders "Lacey loves EastEnders, and it's no secret how much EastEnders love Lacey, so it's not a question of if she will be back, but when.' But, now fans of the soap are worried that another huge character is also set to leave the square. Earlier this year, viewers were left heart broken as they watched Phil Mitchell ( More recently, Phil was left feeling betrayed when Sharon (Letitia Dean) Advertisement Most read in Soaps Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler And fans are now worried that the much loved actor is leaving the soap too or at least taking a break. A viewer on Reddit has posted a poster of Steve that advertises his role in an upcoming pantomime Aladdin. Lacey Turner reveals she 'hasn't stopped crying' since heartbreaking moment with James Bye after final EastEnders scene They captioned the image: "What does this mean for Phil in EastEnders this year?" Fans of the show were quick to respond and one said: "I reckon Nigel probably dies around Christmas time. Advertisement "And Phil leaves shortly after to spend time with Louise in Portugal or something and is back in February like what usually happens most years." Another added: "Nigel dies at Christmas and Phil leaves to find Nigel's family and tell them." EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Fans also Additionally, a host of stars have One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. "EastEnders is known for being very restrictive with what actors can do in their spare time. "I remember Shona McGarty saying part of her decision to leave was to explore new opportunities she couldn't do whilst on the show, such as her singing career, stage shows, content that's perhaps quite not safe for prewatershed viewing etc," explained a third. Advertisement While another thought Phil might be going to see Ben and said: "He could be going to Portugal or at least a trip in America to see Ben with Callum and Lexi if they are going there too." "Means nothing, Steve McFadden does panto every year. Phil will be off screen for about a couple months and back around the new year probably," stated a fifth EastEnders fan. Meanwhile, soap viewers are fearing the worst as rumours swirl of a massive cast shake-up - Viewers reckon a major clear-out is on the cards, and are convinced the BBC soap is gearing up for a brutal mass cull that could change Advertisement 4 EastEnders Stacey and her arch enemy Ruby were both heartbroken at Martin's death Credit: Alamy EastEnders airs on BBC and BBC iPlayer.
