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Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Russell T Davies: 'My friend's threesome helped me win a Bafta'
Warning: spoilers for Cucumber (I know it's 10 years old at this point, but you never know). Russell T Davies is an easy person to admire. He's a proud adopted Mancunian, an award-winning TV writer, and he introduced a new generation to Doctor Who. Yet despite that admiration, when Metro called him to chat about the 10th anniversary of his lesser-known TV show Cucumber, I learned he's not someone you should trust with a secret. Why? Well, more than a decade ago, when the 62-year-old – who's speaking about the show at the Scene Festival on 20 August inManchester– sat down to write episode one, he decided to end it with a threesome. This awful orgy between a couple teetering on the edge of a break-up and a drunk (the trois in this calamitous ménage à trois) ends up involving several police officers and an arrest. Needless to say, the whole thing is as sexy as a trip to the chiropodist for new orthopaedic sandals, but it makes for great telly. There was just one problem – he sort of accidentally borrowed it from a friend and put it on TV. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! 'That happened word for word, to a friend of mine,' Russell laughs. 'That scene, including literally walking down the street barefoot to find the policeman and get them to his house. 'I put all that on screen, I forgot to tell him. I actually kind of forgot that I'd taken it from real life, because I changed some things about it. He turned up at my house furious!' It's this big climactic blowout that kicks off the dramatic events of the 2015 series Cucumber, a show about two middle-aged gay men – Henry (Vincent Franklin) and Lance (Cyril Nri) – living in Manchester as they go through a messy break-up. If you've never heard of it, don't worry. You're not alone, as Russell told me, 'it wasn't going for headlines'. Still, while it may be the slightly unassuming middle child of Russell's unofficial queer trilogy (as I have decided to name it) – Queer as Folk, Cucumber, and It's a Sin – the show is quietly radical. How so? Well, the series exists to explore a side of queerness rarely seen on TV or, as Russell put it, 'with queer matters, we get discussions of sexuality, which often boil down into discussions about sex'. To take it back to that threesome then, in Russell's mind, Cucumber 'isn't about sex'. 'It's about a relationship completely falling apart because one member of that threesome has never communicated sexually what he wants in his entire adult life,' he explains. 'It's a threesome that is the destruction of a couple, and it quite viciously sets out to do that from the very start.' Russell shares his thoughts on representation on the small screen… 'I think TV is not bad at the moment. In fact, sometimes you watch Coronation Street thinking one more gay person, and you overbalance, which is a very unusual feeling. But it is great to see, and there's always new territory. 'It's great to see that young Oscar Branning swagger onto EastEnders, happily bisexual. I've been dying for that for a decade, for someone to walk in problem-free, saying, 'Hello, I fancy men. I fancy women.' 'That was a little revolution that happened last week. Indeed, these things are now becoming so commonplace that we don't even celebrate them. 'Nonetheless, I've got to say, you say that, and you can still sit through three hours of prime time without a single gay character cropping up. I always nag my fellow executives and writers about this, because we don't have to be the centre of the story. 'Obviously, not every story is a gay story. That's completely fine, but you know, where's the lesbian sister? Where's the trans little brother?' That viciousness then permeates the show, which manages to be a funny and thoughtful meditation on what it means to be gay when you're past your prime. 'That's kind of my wheelhouse. I'm amazed I get away with it,' Russell admits. '[Cucumber] is very critical of gay men, because that's what I'm here for… straight people can write dramas where queer characters are nice and happy. I'm here to find their faults.' If Russell's goal was to depict queer characters as flawed, he succeeded. You'd be hard pressed to see a more unvarnished depiction of gay men in TV history – unless you think hunting hairs on the shaft of your penis is glam – and few characters are more flawed than Henry and Lance. On paper, the neurotic Henry is the more contemptible of the show's leads. It's Henry who breaks up with Lance after an engagement gone wrong and moves in with younger men. Still, to Russell, it's more ambiguous than that. 'Everything that happens to Henry is his fault,' he emphasises. Yet when it comes to Lance's ultimate fate – he's killed by his lover, Daniel, during a horrifying moment of 'gay panic' – Russell is clear he sowed the seeds of his destruction. When I asked Russell what he thought of people online who 'hate Henry', he didn't hold back … 'I don't particularly pay much attention to online opinions because they're primitive. After all, they aren't very nuanced. They make you want to put up a banner saying, 'learn to read'. 'People are very bad at reading dramas and learning anything. The people who post online are…This is why the entire world is sliding into the pit, because that's becoming our primary form of communication. 'Is that doing it any good whatsoever? Not at all. 'So those people who say, 'I hate Henry', what a weird thing to be doing… 'These comments are being typed up by virgins who have literally no experience of anything, ever, anywhere, and so that's why their opinion is so extreme – because it's so simple, because they've never had that nuance or compromise or diplomacy in their lives ever. Yet we find that they're driving the entire conversation of our culture.' 'Death is only a tragedy if it's that person's fault, and it is Lance's fault,' Russell tells me. 'In episode six, he's clearly told to go home. 'He's warned to such an extent that a ghost has to rise from the grave from another programme to warn him (Queer as Folk's Hazel Tyler makes a rather spooky appearance) to stop, and he doesn't listen because he fancies someone.' Unfortunately for Lance, his fate was decided long before Russell hit print on his word processor, as the Doctor Who showrunner wanted to use Cucumber to fix what he saw as a skittishness around death. It was this ambition that led to episode six, a turning point in the drama presented as a flashback through Lance's dying eyes. 'Episode six set out to do things beyond what Cucumber was about,' he tells me. 'I've written a lot of deaths. I started working on soap operas where people were forever falling down stairs and dying, but they were treated very lightly, when death is actually the biggest thing in the world. 'I'd always been dying to write an episode of a drama with a death in it that feels like a death, so you feel like an entire life has come to an end, the tragedy of the most ordinary person dying… I mean, I've never had more motivation to write something in my life.' Interestingly, Russell reveals this episode would eventually lead him to his next queer story – the critically acclaimed It's a Sin, which deals with the Aids epidemic. When we asked Russell about telling LGBTQ+ stories, he admitted he feels very lucky to be in a position to tell them… 'I'm just very lucky that I'm the one who got to write it down. If Jonathan Harvey weren't so slow, (Russell asked us to include this Jonathan, sorry), he would have written it first. 'I'm lucky, and I got to write it before he did, or any other gay writer. I think these things were rising within the soap operas. Gay characters were appearing… there was a kind of animus in the air for this kind of thing. 'It felt like a very inevitable rise towards Queer as Folk, and I'm the one who got to write it. And believe you me, there were a lot of writers at the time looking around, saying, 'Who the f*** is he?' 'There were a lot of sort of heirs apparent who didn't do the hard work of sitting down and actually writing it.' 'You can start to see me turning that lens,' he acknowledges. 'Lance has flashbacks of that boyfriend who died of Aids. My own head was moving towards writing It's A Sin.' Now, however, Russell's head is moving in another direction. His trilogy is set to become a quadrilogy with Tip Toe, a show he lovingly describes as Cucumber's 'progeny'. 'I was literally driven to this desk to write Tip Toe because of the insanity we're hurtling towards at a ridiculous speed,' he stresses, before adding it will deal with the great danger we're all in, gay or straight. 'It's an extension of all [Cucumber's] themes, who we are, how we express ourselves – our wider community, not just gay men, trans characters, lesbian characters – and the pitfalls of life today.' More Trending Of course, the big question you may be asking is what happened to Russell's friend? The one whose threesome features in a TV show that went on to win Russell his Bafta? Well, in Russell's words, 'the friendship survived, but I was lucky'. View More » Russell T Davies and the Cucumber cast will be taking part in the '10 Years of Cucumber' panel at the New Century Hall, Manchester, on Wednesday 20 August 2025 at 8pm. Tickets available at 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: Inside the split over trans women that's threatening to drive a wedge through Labour MORE: Drag queens forced to stop reading Dear Zoo to children at library MORE: All episodes of 'terrifically trashy' drama are finally on free UK streamer
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Inaugural Televerse Festival Adds Queer as Folk 25th Anniversary Reunion, Premiere Screenings of USA Network's The Rainmaker and AMC's Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order, Panel With Award-Winning Director Tommy Schlamme, and More
Televerse Tickets on Sale Now at LOS ANGELES, July 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Television Academy, the presenter of the Emmy® Awards, today announced additional programming for its inaugural Televerse with tickets on sale now for all sessions available. Televerse is an immersive festival experience for both industry insiders and fans of television from Aug. 14-16, 2025, at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE. Televerse offers Academy members, industry insiders and fans unprecedented access to today's top creators, storytellers and stars along with dynamic panels featuring this year's Emmy-nominated programs and behind-the-scenes trade secrets of popular shows. Latest additions to Televerse 25 include: Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order Premiere Screening and Q&AAn advance premiere screening of the third series in AMC's Anne Rice's Immortal Universe, Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order, which explores the secret society responsible for tracking and containing the witches, vampires and other creatures scattered around the globe. Following the screening, cast member William Fichtner and writer Anna Fisher will join for a conversation about the series, set to premiere in October, and its connection to Anne Rice's Immortal Universe. The Art of Foley With Sanaa KelleyEmmy Award-winning Foley artist Sanaa Kelley (Shōgun; Only Murders in the Building; Ted Lasso) takes us inside the process of sound design with a live Foley session, using everyday objects to bring the worlds of your favorite shows to life. A Candid Conversation With Cris … About the State of the Industry (Television Academy Member Exclusive)As television evolves in dynamic and unprecedented ways, Television Academy members are invited to join Cris Abrego, Television Academy Chair, for an engaging and enlightening conversation with entertainment executives shaping the future of our industry. Panelists to be announced. An Academy member reception will follow the panel discussion. FYC PresentationsFor the first time, Emmy voters attending Televerse will have access to Television Academy-sanctioned "For Your Consideration" panels featuring this year's Emmy nominees in key program categories prior to the final round of Emmy voting. FYC Presentations includes program nominees in the following categories: Comedy, Drama, Limited or Anthology Series, and Reality Competition Series. A limited number of seats will be available to the public. Queer as Folk 25th Anniversary ReunionTwenty-five years after the premiere of Showtime's groundbreaking series Queer as Folk, creators Daniel Lipman and Ron Cowen and cast members Peter Paige, Gale Harold, Scott Lowell, Sharon Gless, Michelle Clunie and Thea Gill will reunite to share their experiences being part of the series; revisit behind-the-scenes stories from filming; and discuss the profound, lasting impact that Queer as Folk has had on the LGBTQIA stories and representation in the decades since. The Rainmaker Premiere Screening and Q&AAn advance premiere screening of USA Network's new summer series The Rainmaker from Lionsgate Television and Blumhouse Television. Based on the best-selling novel by John Grisham, The Rainmaker follows Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan), fresh out of law school, as he goes head-to-head with courtroom lion Leo Drummond (John Slattery) as well as his law school girlfriend, Sarah (Madison Iseman). Rudy, along with his boss, Bruiser (Lana Parilla), and her disheveled paralegal, Deck (P.J. Byrne), uncover two connected conspiracies surrounding the mysterious death of their client's son. The screening will be followed by a conversation with showrunner/executive producer Michael Seitzman and cast members Milo Callaghan, Lana Parilla, Madison Iseman and P.J. Byrne. Scene by Scene With Tommy SchlammeEmmy Award-winning producer/director Tommy Schlamme (Snowfall; Manhattan; The West Wing) takes us inside the director's POV with a deep dive into iconic scenes from his career — from pre-production to post. What's Next: The Future of Music SupervisionMusic supervision is a delicate balance between the practical and creative sides of TV — from navigating licensing and budgets to collaborating with showrunners, directors and editors to creating truly memorable moments for viewers that linger long after the credits roll. Acclaimed music supervisors Maggie Phillips (The Handmaid's Tale), Thomas Golubić (Breaking Bad), Janet Lopez (The Gilded Age) and moderator Tracy McKnight (VP, Creative, Film, TV and Visual Media at Broadcast Music Inc.) will provide their insight and perspectives on the current moment in entertainment, how their role and relationships to both the TV and music industries have evolved, the challenges and opportunities presented by ongoing changes in TV production and post-production, and the future of music supervision as they see it. Televerse tickets are on sale now at Tickets to individual Televerse sessions are available to Television Academy members and the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. Festivalgoers can create their own unique Televerse path by mixing and matching among various opportunities. Previously announced programming includes: Acting Class with Henry Winkler BONES 20th Anniversary Panel with Creator and Cast Breaking Story with Beau Willimon Sneak-Peek screening of Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy Game On: Inside the Booth with the Los Angeles Dodgers The Television Academy Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Honorees include Viola Davis, Don Mischer (posthumously), Ryan Murphy, Conan O'Brien, Mike Post and Henry Winkler. Televerse is made possible by Television Academy sponsors Decoy, FIJI Water, Franciacorta, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, LG, People, The Ritz-Carlton and United Airlines. Special thanks to Deadline, The Envelope/Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, TheWrap and Panavision for their support of Televerse. CLICK HERE for photo assets. About the Television AcademyThe Television Academy strives to shape and advance the dynamic television landscape; cultivate a diverse, inclusive and accessible professional community; and advocate for the television industry while capturing the spirit of a new generation of content creators and industry professionals. Through innovative programs, publications and events, the Academy and its Foundation foster and empower storytellers. The Academy also celebrates those who excel in the industry recognizing their achievements through awards and accolades, including the renowned Emmy® Award. Membership in the Academy is open to working professionals in the television industry. For more information, please visit Follow Televerse on social media at Instagram and TikTok. View source version on Contacts Stephanie Goodellbreakwhitelight (for the Television Academy)stephanie@ 818-462-1150 Jim Yeagerbreakwhitelight (for the Television Academy)jim@ 818-264-6812 Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Business Wire
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Inaugural Televerse Festival Adds Queer as Folk 25 th Anniversary Reunion, Premiere Screenings of USA Network's The Rainmaker and AMC's Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order, Panel With Award-Winning Director Tommy Schlamme, and More
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Television Academy, the presenter of the Emmy ® Awards, today announced additional programming for its inaugural Televerse with tickets on sale now for all sessions available. Televerse is an immersive festival experience for both industry insiders and fans of television from Aug. 14-16, 2025, at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE. Televerse is an immersive festival experience for both industry insiders and fans of television from Aug. 14-16, 2025, at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE. Televerse offers Academy members, industry insiders and fans unprecedented access to today's top creators, storytellers and stars along with dynamic panels featuring this year's Emmy-nominated programs and behind-the-scenes trade secrets of popular shows. Latest additions to Televerse 25 include: Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order Premiere Screening and Q&A An advance premiere screening of the third series in AMC's Anne Rice's Immortal Universe, Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order, which explores the secret society responsible for tracking and containing the witches, vampires and other creatures scattered around the globe. Following the screening, cast member William Fichtner and writer Anna Fisher will join for a conversation about the series, set to premiere in October, and its connection to Anne Rice's Immortal Universe. The Art of Foley With Sanaa Kelley Emmy Award-winning Foley artist Sanaa Kelley (Shōgun; Only Murders in the Building; Ted Lasso) takes us inside the process of sound design with a live Foley session, using everyday objects to bring the worlds of your favorite shows to life. A Candid Conversation With Cris … About the State of the Industry (Television Academy Member Exclusive) As television evolves in dynamic and unprecedented ways, Television Academy members are invited to join Cris Abrego, Television Academy Chair, for an engaging and enlightening conversation with entertainment executives shaping the future of our industry. Panelists to be announced. An Academy member reception will follow the panel discussion. FYC Presentations For the first time, Emmy voters attending Televerse will have access to Television Academy-sanctioned 'For Your Consideration' panels featuring this year's Emmy nominees in key program categories prior to the final round of Emmy voting. FYC Presentations includes program nominees in the following categories: Comedy, Drama, Limited or Anthology Series, and Reality Competition Series. A limited number of seats will be available to the public. Queer as Folk 25 th Anniversary Reunion Twenty-five years after the premiere of Showtime's groundbreaking series Queer as Folk, creators Daniel Lipman and Ron Cowen and cast members Peter Paige, Gale Harold, Scott Lowell, Sharon Gless, Michelle Clunie and Thea Gill will reunite to share their experiences being part of the series; revisit behind-the-scenes stories from filming; and discuss the profound, lasting impact that Queer as Folk has had on the LGBTQIA stories and representation in the decades since. The Rainmaker Premiere Screening and Q&A An advance premiere screening of USA Network's new summer series The Rainmaker from Lionsgate Television and Blumhouse Television. Based on the best-selling novel by John Grisham, The Rainmaker follows Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan), fresh out of law school, as he goes head-to-head with courtroom lion Leo Drummond (John Slattery) as well as his law school girlfriend, Sarah (Madison Iseman). Rudy, along with his boss, Bruiser (Lana Parilla), and her disheveled paralegal, Deck (P.J. Byrne), uncover two connected conspiracies surrounding the mysterious death of their client's son. The screening will be followed by a conversation with showrunner/executive producer Michael Seitzman and cast members Milo Callaghan, Lana Parilla, Madison Iseman and P.J. Byrne. Scene by Scene With Tommy Schlamme Emmy Award-winning producer/director Tommy Schlamme (Snowfall; Manhattan; The West Wing) takes us inside the director's POV with a deep dive into iconic scenes from his career — from pre-production to post. What's Next: The Future of Music Supervision Music supervision is a delicate balance between the practical and creative sides of TV — from navigating licensing and budgets to collaborating with showrunners, directors and editors to creating truly memorable moments for viewers that linger long after the credits roll. Acclaimed music supervisors Maggie Phillips (The Handmaid's Tale), Thomas Golubić (Breaking Bad), Janet Lopez (The Gilded Age) and moderator Tracy McKnight (VP, Creative, Film, TV and Visual Media at Broadcast Music Inc.) will provide their insight and perspectives on the current moment in entertainment, how their role and relationships to both the TV and music industries have evolved, the challenges and opportunities presented by ongoing changes in TV production and post-production, and the future of music supervision as they see it. Televerse tickets are on sale now at Tickets to individual Televerse sessions are available to Television Academy members and the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. Festivalgoers can create their own unique Televerse path by mixing and matching among various opportunities. Previously announced programming includes: Acting Class with Henry Winkler BONES 20 th Anniversary Panel with Creator and Cast Breaking Story with Beau Willimon Sneak-Peek screening of Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy Game On: Inside the Booth with the Los Angeles Dodgers The Television Academy Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Honorees include Viola Davis, Don Mischer (posthumously), Ryan Murphy, Conan O'Brien, Mike Post and Henry Winkler. Televerse is made possible by Television Academy sponsors Decoy, FIJI Water, Franciacorta, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, LG, People, The Ritz-Carlton and United Airlines. Special thanks to Deadline, The Envelope/Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, TheWrap and Panavision for their support of Televerse. CLICK HERE for photo assets. About the Television Academy The Television Academy strives to shape and advance the dynamic television landscape; cultivate a diverse, inclusive and accessible professional community; and advocate for the television industry while capturing the spirit of a new generation of content creators and industry professionals. Through innovative programs, publications and events, the Academy and its Foundation foster and empower storytellers. The Academy also celebrates those who excel in the industry recognizing their achievements through awards and accolades, including the renowned Emmy ® Award. Membership in the Academy is open to working professionals in the television industry. For more information, please visit Follow Televerse on social media at Instagram and TikTok.
Metro
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Coronation Street returns to iconic filming location for joyous scenes
Coronation Street's finest are gearing up for camp old time on the cobbles of Canal Street. The small Mancunian thoroughfare has been the heart of the city's gay community since the 1950s, and houses a number of LGBTQ+ venues. As well as hosting the annual Pride celebrations each August, the area is also a well-known TV and film location, being projected into millions of living rooms around the world in the late 90s during Russell T Davies' drama Queer as Folk. The writer also used it as a setting for his subsequent series Bob and Rose and Cucumber. Corrie is also no stranger to the street, with the residents taking a number of trips there throughout the 2000s. The last time they visited the village was in 2013, though ITV continued to drive a float through the Pride parade each year for the next decade. A spokesperson confirmed last year that cost cutting meant they could no longer take part. Despite that, the iconic Barbara Knox, better known as Rita Tanner, put in a personal appearance on the Alan Turing Stage, belting out show tunes. She also accepted a 'Your Manchester Icon' award from drag queen Belinda Scandal and Deputy Lieutenant Mark Llewellin, partner of the late Roy Barraclough who played Alec Gilroy. Now, cast and crew have made a rare trip to film new scenes on location. New pictures show a number of favourites strolling down the road in fits of laughter, before making their way into nightclub Bar Pop, which has been cleverly disguised as a fictional boozer. Coronation Street's first gay characters Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) and Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) can be seen with their mate Mary Taylor (Patti Clare). They're joined by newbies James Cartwright and Jason Callender, who play Theo Silverton and James Bailey. Somewhat of a love triangle has emerged between Todd, Theo and James in recent weeks – could it intensify on their night out? Completing the group are Jodie Prenger and returnee Amy Robbins, better known as Rovers landlady Glenda Shuttleworth and villainous Christina Boyd. Exactly what brings the Weatherfield gang to Canal Street remains to be seen, but they all seem in high spirits. More Trending Mary can be seen wiping away the tears as Glenda tries on a cowboy hat. A number of supporting artists draperd in bright colours and rainbow accessories can also be seen in the background. With the serial drama filming roughly six to eight weeks in advance, it's likely that these scenes will coincide with Manchester Pride. In other snaps, the show's security can be seen ensuring that their set isn't invaded by fans, while another member of behind-the-scenes staff snaps continuity pictures on a tablet. View More » Coronation Street continues Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: UK soap star congratulates brother on Wimbledon win MORE: EastEnders legend says 'life is good' as she addresses unemployment following BBC soap exit MORE: EastEnders star James Bye's son, 2, rushed to hospital after eating 'seriously toxic' plant
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rick Caruso Confirms 2026 Reopening of Palisades Village, New Elyse Walker Flagship Boutique
Palisades Village — the luxury shopping and dining destination that ultimately served as a tony town square for residents of Pacific Palisades, California — is eyeing a reopening of 'early to mid' 2026 in the wake of catastrophic fires that ravaged the area. Palisades Village owner Rick Caruso and key members of his Caruso team were on site Wednesday afternoon for an official press conference to announce the news and reveal that Palisades retail guru Elyse Walker will aid revitalization efforts by bringing her namesake shop to the flagship space on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Swarthmore Avenue. Walker, who opened her Palisades store in 1999 and expanded over the years into something of a retail empire with stores in New York, Newport Beach and Southampton, lost her shop on Antioch Street in the Palisades Fire. More from The Hollywood Reporter How Netflix's Latest 'Fear Street' Slasher Film Created a Terrifying Prom Experience for Fans Inaugural Pride LIVE! Hollywood Event Set for June With Film Screenings, Premieres, Tributes to Norman Lear, 'Golden Girls,' 'Queer as Folk' and More The Upfronts Tease the Most Coveted Luxury Real Estate Projects In the World 'Today marks an important milestone for Palisades Village as it signals not only hope, but our steadfast and unwavering commitment to the Palisades. Our future here at Palisades Village is brighter than ever,' said Caruso CEO Corinne Verdery to kick start the press conference against the backdrop of an 'active' construction zone, hard hats and all. 'Our end goal is simple, it's to bring families back, small businesses, jobs, spark economic revival and make Palisades stronger.' They plan to accomplish that by reconstructing the public park inside Palisades Village, rebuilding streetscapes around the hub to 'beautifully restore the sidewalks, lighting and landscape,' bringing back the annual Christmas tree lighting and Menorah celebration this holiday season and adding 'an exciting new dining concept,' the latter of which will be announced in the coming months, Verdery confirmed. She then welcomed her boss to the podium. Caruso, the billionaire businessman who made a bid to become mayor of Los Angeles, has emerged as a key figure in the city's rebuilding efforts. He founded Steadfast L.A., an organization led by the private sector to 'prioritize action, accountability and results over red tape.' 'When the fire hit, and obviously in the wake of that fire, it touched every corner of our city. I became a student of what it takes to bring back a city or a town or a community from a disaster,' offered Caruso in opening his comments. What he learned was that public and private partnerships become key to rebuilding efforts 'because the problems are too big for a government alone,' and that common spaces that foster community become even more crucial. 'People want to congregate. They want to shop, they want to dine, they want to gather, they want to have a cup of coffee with their friends and their family. So how do we accelerate all of this? It's not only about rebuilding a town, it's about an acceleration of the rebuilding,' he added. 'I believe you have to have an economic engine. If you look at all the examples around the country or around the world, if you have a partner — whether it's a retailer or a restaurateur that believes in the future of a community that's committed not only to great commerce but great community — you create a powerful partnership.' That thinking led Caruso to pick up the phone 'a few weeks ago' to share his big idea that called for her to move into the Palisades Village space formerly occupied by Saint Laurent. 'Elyse said, 'I am in, let's rebuild the Palisades,' recalled Caruso, who saved Palisades Village with the help of a private for-hire firefighting team. 'Then she said something that was very powerful. She said, 'We will be unstoppable.'' Caruso then welcomed Walker to the podium with quite a compliment: 'In my 35 years of being in the development business, I've done business with a lot of retailers, the best and the brightest, but let me tell you something, there is nobody better than Elyse Walker.' The Palisades resident and retail vet, who raised her two sons in the city and opened a shop there so she could walk them to school, expressed optimism about the announcement while also nodding to the destruction still visible on all the surrounding streets. 'Today is an exciting day. It's also with mixed emotion as just five months ago, we watched our beloved community of the Pacific Palisades experience incredible loss, and my team and I lost our flagship Elyse Walker Palisades store, our work home, a store that had just celebrated 25 years,' she explained of the elysewalker boutique. 'However, I have always believed that the Palisades community is strong, and that in time we would heal and rise up together. Today is the beginning of our rebuilding efforts.' She called this moment 'the most pivotal time in the Palisades community history,' and said that her new location will mirror the old one and align with what Caruso has created at Palisades Village by becoming a hub for community and something more than a place that sells clothing, handbags and designer items. 'Our goal is to create jobs and enthusiasm. Reopening in the Palisades and moving our flagship across the street to the Palisades Village is incredibly exciting and important as we focus our efforts on supporting the strong and resilient town,' she said. 'We fully intend to recreate the Elyse Walker experience at the Palisades Village and look forward to a time very, very soon when we can open our doors and our community can reunite.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
