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The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
I'm a shock-seeker, I watched Masterchef and chucked my morality away
I've always been drawn to the forbidden. When tabloids scream 'ban this filth', the pearl-clutching works on me like candlelight on moths. The more I'm told something is wicked and depraved, the more I'll have to find out for myself. I've got Mary Whitehouse to thank for turning me on to the most messed-up material of my teens. Where there's shock value, I'll venture. In university, my English professor described the Earl of Rochester's Restoration poetry as the most corrupt in literature. By graduation, I was an expert in his work. Nor do I have any problem separating art from artist. Harvey Weinstein is a disgusting pig who deserves his fate, but I'm not cancelling Pulp Fiction, Shakespeare in Love or The English Patient. That mix of curiosity, voyeurism and critical detachment informed my thinking on whether to watch the new Masterchef series. I've followed it since Lloyd Grossman's days. I love cooking and the show gives good tips. However, neither reason is an excuse for watching a series stained by the behaviour of its hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode. Though, evidently, that begs the question: is to watch, to endorse; to view, to agree; to tune in, to validate? Some may say yes, others no. Morally and philosophically, I was unsure. Read more from Neil Mackay: I've been a TV producer, so was intrigued how on Earth the BBC would reedit the show, as promised, to make it more acceptable to viewers. However, technical and professional interest isn't a justification either, if you accept that viewing equals approving. What finally convinced me to peek was the UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on BBC Breakfast telling us she 'certainly won't be watching'. If politicians say X, I'll do Y. So I watched the first few episodes. You can watch the lot on BBC iPlayer, if you want. The experience was, in truth, an exercise in being morally compromised. I'm a big boy, though, so being morally compromised was entirely on me. The reason I explained my views on art and acceptability was to make the point that nobody made me watch Masterchef, I chose deliberately to seek it out. However, the method of being compromised is what interests me. I watched the show with my wife and a couple who are friends of ours, a man and a woman roughly the same age. They came for dinner, we turned Masterchef on after the meal was over. Everyone felt a bit guilty. I guess the other two million people who tuned in were much the same. The show is down on last year's ratings by about 700,000. So obviously there's a fair chunk of the previous audience who take a different view from me, my wife and our pals. Which is entirely fair and their right. After the initial ick of seeing the hosts – particularly Wallace – it was strange how quickly we settled in as viewers. I noticed my wife pick up on a recipe which interested her, and our friends talked about how they would have used a different cut of meat to one of the contestants. Quite quickly, we weren't sitting in moral judgement, but engaging as viewers. I mentioned this to the group, and suddenly the ick returned. To be reminded of the scandal, was to be knocked out of the comfort of merely viewing. But soon the magic of TV was at work again. The contestants were determined, the guest judges were friendly faces from the past, Torode was giving kitchen tips, and Wallace was doing his hail-fellow-well-met act. The knowledge of what had gone on was swept to the back of our minds once again – because that's what TV does: it's immersive, it takes you out of yourself, it suspends reality. So the very act of watching Masterchef partly – at least momentarily – erases the knowledge of what the hosts have done. There's a real risk that over 21 one-hour episodes, Wallace and Torode are effectively rehabilitated simply by the longevity of the process of watching them. The more you watch, the more you forget. And then, when you do remember, the ick will have lessened a little more each time, until by the show's finale the ick might not even be there at all. The BBC seems to be playing a morally bankrupt game here, though it's entirely in tune with the times. There are no real rules in this era. A president who is a predator can be reelected. It is the power of his celebrity which renders Donald Trump teflon. Are we now seeing that immunity spill down to the Z-listers of British TV? Wallace and Torode were sacked, but they're not off air. If this is being cancelled, it's a weird cancellation. Racism and sexism no longer hide their faces in our societies. It is somehow okay to once again behave very badly. Masterchef plays its part in allowing racism and sexism to become enmeshed in notions of acceptability. Fundamentally, this is an era of no shame and no consequences. We see that in the lofty heights of international politics and now in the tawdry depths of low-rent entertainment. In that sense, watching the first few episodes of Masterchef was instructive. It was interesting to be subjected to an experiment in compromising my own morality. But I will drop out now, thank you very much, BBC, and leave the channel's executives to mirror our corrupted zeitgeist so perfectly. Neil Mackay is The Herald's Writer-at-Large. He's a multi-award-winning investigative journalist, author of both fiction and non-fiction, and a filmmaker and broadcaster. He specialises in intelligence, security, crime, social affairs, cultural commentary, and foreign and domestic politics.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Wednesday star Steve Buscemi's including near-death experience with Vince Vaughn
Steve Buscemi is among the Hollywood A-listers joining Netflix's Wednesday for its second season. WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Wednesday. Steve Buscemi is a household name for both TV and film with fans eager to know everything there is to know about the Boardwalk Empire star. Wednesday season two is set to release part one on Wednesday, August 6, on Netflix, welcoming a plethora of new stars to Nevermore Academy. One of which is the unforgettable actor Steve Buscemi who is taking on the role of Principal Dort after the death of his predecessor Larissa Weems (Gwendoline Christie). Ahead of the 67-year-old returning to the small screen, here's everything there is to know about the life of Steve Buscemi. Unexpected career Before joining the world of entertainment, Buscemi had a fulfilling career as a New York City firefighter, working in Manhattan's Little Italy from 1980 to 1984. He initially joined after his dad encouraged him to take the civil service test when he was 18 but Buscemi chose to leave so he could pursue acting. However, after 9/11, Buscemi returned to his old firehouse to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts. Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction theory Buscemi features in two of the biggest films in the world from director Quentin Tarantino. The first was Reservoir Dogs in 1992 where he played Mr Pink and then a minor role as the Buddy Holly waiter two years later in Pulp Fiction with Uma Thurman and John Travolta. It is thought that some of the characters are related in the films but Buscemi has his own theory which he shared on The Late Late Show with James Corden. He explained: 'Because my character of Mr Pink in Reservoir Dogs was such a cheapskate, and he didn't like to tip, I thought it was poetic justice that my next film with Quentin, I play a waiter. 'I even like to think that maybe Mr Pink got away somehow in Reservoir Dogs, and he's hiding out as the Buddy Holly waiter. 'And he probably gets tipped terribly. That's his fate.' Stabbing The Pulp Fiction star was stabbed on April 13, 2001, in Wilmington, North Carolina at a bar called the Firebelly Lounge. Buscemi, who was filming Domestic Disturbance at the time, was going for drinks with fellow star Vince Vaughn and screenwriter Scott Rosenberg when two men allegedly picked a fight with Vaughn. A fight began outside at around 2am which resulted in Buscemi getting stabbed above the eye and in the jaw, throat and arm. Fighting continued and Vaughn was among the four arrested. Thankfully, Buscemi didn't suffer any life-altering injuries. Late wife The Wednesday season two actor was married to filmmaker, choreographer and artist Jo Andres who he was neighbours with in the 1980s. Jo reportedly had a crush on Steve for several years during the time he worked as a firefighter while trying to make it as an actor, promoting himself with posters on the street. The Metro reported Buscemi sharing: 'When we met, she didn't realise I was the guy on the poster. 'When we got to my apartment, she saw the same poster and said, 'That's you!'' The pair got married in 1987 and welcomed their son Lucian in 1990. Tragically, Jo died of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, a rare disease of the bowel in 2019. It was during that same year that Buscemi paid tribute to his late wife at CinemaCon, describing her as his 'biggest supporter, audience and inspiration'. Buscemi is now in a relationship with Australian Karen Ho who was his plus one to the Wednesday season two premiere. What's next Apart from Netflix's Wednesday, the star has a number of projects already in the works. He is going to star in the thriller Wild Horse Nine with The Green Mile actor Sam Rockwell, comedy The Marshmallow Experiment with His Dark Materials' Dafne Keen and the film The Only Living Pickpocket in New York with Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito. In addition to these, he's going to be teaming up with New Girl star Max Greenfield in the sitcom Don't Say Good Luck, as well as reuniting with Jenna Ortega for the sci-fi drama Klara and the Sun.
Daily Record
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix Wednesday season 2 new cast from Lady Gaga to Joanna Lumley
Wednesday season two is almost upon us and the Netflix series is returning with a bang as it welcomes a host of new stars to its cast. Wednesday season two is on ints way so who are the fresh faces set to make their debut in the Addams Family spin-off? Jenna Ortega first brought the sardonic and menacing teenager Wednesday Addams to life three years ago, captivating Netflix viewers with its enigmatic atmosphere, macabre wit and shocking narrative turns. Wednesday is now making a comeback for additional episodes with season two launching on Wednesday, August 6, and its widespread appeal hasn't gone unnoticed, with numerous celebrities clamouring for involvement. Before its debut, here's all you need to know about the fresh talent joining Wednesday season two. Wednesday season 2 new stars Principal Dort - Steve Buscemi Stepping into the shoes of Nevermore Academy's Principal Larissa Weems (Gwendoline Christie) from the first series is the driven Principal Barry Dort (Steve Buscemi). He represents the "polar opposite of his late predecessor" and champions outcast pride but takes it to extremes, promoting "normie exclusion in his mission to 'save' Nevermore". Steve Buscemi ranks among Hollywood's most familiar faces, having appeared in blockbuster films including Reservoir Dogs, Fargo, Con Air, Pulp Fiction and The Big Lebowski. He's also fondly remembered for his portrayal of Enoch "Nucky" Thompson in Boardwalk Empire. Rosaline Rotwood - Lady Gaga International pop sensation Lady Gaga was confirmed to be making a cameo in Wednesday season two back in May at Netflix's Tudum event. The 'Born This Way' sensation delivered a performance themed around Wednesday, with Ortega also gracing the stage to celebrate her inclusion in the Netflix smash hit. Details about Lady Gaga's character in 'Wednesday' remain under wraps, except that she will portray a Nevermore Academy teacher named Rosaline Rotwood. Grandma Hester Frump - Joanna Lumley Morticia's (Catherine Zeta Jones) mother. The character is the affluent tycoon behind Frump Mortuaries, regarded as one of the most successful outcast-owned businesses in America. Hester, described as "emotionally cold" and equipped with a "armed with a razor-sharp tongue", is strategic in all aspects of her life, including preserving her family's legacy. Grandma Hester is brought to life by actress, presenter, activist and former model Joanna Lumley, who is perhaps best known for her role in the sitcom 'Absolutely Fabulous'. However, Lumley is no stranger to the silver screen, having appeared in films such as 'Paddington 2', 'Me Before You', 'The Wolf of Wall Street' and 'The Pink Panther' franchise. Isadora Capri - Billie Piper Billie Piper, renowned for her portrayal of Rose Tyler alongside David Tennant in 'Doctor Who' for five years, will play Isadora Capri. Piper, who has also starred in 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl', 'Penny Dreadful', 'Scoop' and 'I Hate Suzie', will depict Nevermore's new head of music and former child prodigy. She will take a particular interest in Wednesday's musical talents and serve as a mentor to fellow werewolf Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers). Professor Orloff - Christopher Lloyd Nevermore Academy's most tenured educator, Professor Orloff, is renowned for his strict adherence to the rules, and it doesn't take long for Pugsley Addams (Isaac Ordonez) to catch his attention. The role of the professor is portrayed by none other than Christopher Lloyd, the iconic actor from Back to the Future, who also famously played Uncle Fester in the 1991 movie The Addams Family. Dr Rachael Fairburn - Thandiwe Newton Despite being a "normie", Dr Fairburn is hailed as a pioneer in the field of outcast mental health and serves as the head psychiatrist at Willow Hill Psychiatric Facility. She oversees the treatment of Tyler Galpin (Hunter Doohan) at Willow Hill, who was unveiled as the monster Hyde in the first season. Thandiwe Newton, known for her roles in Westworld, Mission Impossible II, The Pursuit of Happyness, and Rogue, brings Dr Fairburn to life on screen. Judi - Heather Matarazzo Joining the ensemble of Wednesday season two is Heather Matarazzo, recognised for her portrayal of Lilly Moscovitz in The Princess Diaries and Martha Meeks in the Scream series. In the series, she plays Judi, Dr Fairburn's excessively cheerful executive assistant at Willow Hill, whom Wednesday immediately takes a disliking to. Sheriff Ritchie Santiago - Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo steps into the role of Jericho's new sheriff, Ritchie Santiago, taking over from Donovan Galpin (Jamie McShane). She is described as "sharp and determined" and is keen to make her mark, even if it involves enlisting Wednesday's assistance. Lewis-Nyawo has previously appeared in Devs, Baldur's Gate III, and Back In Action. Other cast members include: Agnes DeMille: Evie Templeton Bruno - Noah B. Taylor Slurp - Owen Painter Wednesday season two premieres on Wednesday, August 6, on Netflix.
The Hill
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hill
Samuel L. Jackson touts wind farms after White House weighs move against them
Samuel L. Jackson is defending wind farms in a video released a day after the Trump administration said it was considering additional hurdles for wind energy development. 'Motherf—ing wind farms: Loud, ugly, harmful to nature. Who says that?' Jackson said as he shook his head in a video released Wednesday by the European energy company Vattenfall. 'These giants are standing tall against fossil fuels, rising up out of the ocean like a middle finger to CO2,' the 'Pulp Fiction' star said of windmills. 'Deep beneath the waves they can become artificial reefs, creating habitats for sea life to grow,' the 76-year-old actor said. A day earlier the Trump administration said it would undertake a review to consider 'whether to stop onshore wind development on some federal lands and halting future offshore wind lease sales.' 'These policy changes represent a commonsense approach to energy that puts Americans' interests first,' Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement. President Trump has repeatedly denounced wind energy over the years. 'We're not going to let windmills get built because we're not going to destroy our country any further than it's already been destroyed,' Trump said last month. 'You go and look at these beautiful plains and valleys, and they're loaded up with this garbage that gets worse and worse looking with time,' the president said. Jackson has spoken out against Trump before, saying in a 2019 interview that the commander in chief was 'ruining the planet.' 'If you're not saying anything, then you're complicit,' the performer said at the time.
The Irish Sun
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Nepo baby looks identical to her movie icon dad as she walks the red carpet – can you guess who?
A NEPO-BABY with a Hollywood star dad left fans doing a double take as she posed on the Red Carpet. The California-born actress, model and musician, 25, looked hugely similar to her Pulp Fiction actor papa as she stepped out in a stylish leather outfit. Advertisement 7 A Hollywood nepo-baby looked chic as she stepped out in a stylish leather dress Credit: Getty 7 Ella Bleu Travolta is the daughter of Grease actor John Travolta Credit: Getty 7 She has a close relationship with her famous father, 71 Credit: Getty 7 She has the same blue eyes as her actor father Credit: Getty Nepo baby Ella Travolta, the sole daughter of Grease frontman John, posed in a chocolate dress complete with hoop earrings at the Tod's Luncheon in Beverly Hills. She swept her brunette hair into relaxed waves, showcasing her natural beauty and blue eyes similar to her famous father. Ella, whose mother is the late Kelly Preston, flashed a smile to the camera as she proved a pro with her poses. She has followed in her parents' footsteps, with roles in movies Old Dogs, Eye For An Eye, Get Lost and Extra. Advertisement Yet she has also branched out and forged a career in the modelling and music industries. Colors of Love singer Ella posted a link to her new track to her Instagram page, where one fan gushed her vocals were "sweet, pure and like an angel." FAMILY AFFAIR Meanwhile, Scientologist Ella often posts videos and pictures of her father, 71, on social media. The model is extremely close with her dad and younger brother Ben, 14, after a series of heartbreaking loses. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive Latest When she was just nine years old, her older brother, Jett, passed away after suffering a seizure. Then, in 2020, she endured another heartbreaking loss when her mother, actress Kelly Preston, died of breast cancer. John Travolta pays tribute to late wife Kelly Preston on Mother's Day 4 years after her death as fans left in tears In February, Ella posted a tribute to John as he turned 71. She uploaded a throwback snap showing her as a child sharing time with him and the words: "Happy birthday to the kindest, most loving, special person I know. I love you so much." Advertisement Ella previously opened up on living with her famous father and told "Which was really cool and really fun to just watch everything in a new period of time." MODEL DAUGHTER John Travolta's daughter, Ella Bleu, has just signed with Storm Models in London, the same agency that famously discovered Kate back in 1988 at the tender age of 14. Ella's new agent, Paula Karaiskos, confirmed the exciting news, expressing her enthusiasm about representing the 24-year-old in the UK. Advertisement Announcing the signing on social media, Paula wrote, "She has an advertising campaign launching this spring, as well as a new film this summer. Watch this space!" Ella's career has been on the rise, and her father couldn't be prouder. Sharing a photo of her attending New York Fashion Week, John wrote, "So proud of Ella's debut at fashion week in New York City." Read more on the Irish Sun Speaking about her journey into fashion, Ella explained, "I like it because it is very creative. When I was a child, like many others, I liked to wear makeup, dress up in different clothes... When I grew up, I stopped paying attention to it." In an interview with Spanish magazine Advertisement 7 California-born Ella has carved out careers in the music, modelling and acting industries Credit: Getty 7 Her mum is the late Kelly Preston Credit: Reuters 7 Ella recently gushed over the Pulp Fiction star as he turned 71 Credit: Getty
