Latest news with #Ballroom
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Strictly Come Dancing bosses 'taking inspiration from I'm A Celeb' with 'risk'
EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing's latest line-up has been met with criticism ahead of the latest series of the BBC show, and a PR expert has hinted at tactics bosses have used Strictly Come Dancing has been involved in a number of scandals of late and fans have been left less than impressed with the latest celebrity line-up. While viewers of the BBC show have called the latest batch of famous faces "underwhelming," the inclusion of Tom Skinner had them in uproar. The former star of The Apprentice was met with huge backlash following the announcement he is to take to the dance floor. It comes as some of his controversial views online have been called out in recent weeks. He has also opened up about his relationship with US vice president JD Vance. But a PR expert believes that while bosses made a surprise call by including the reality TV star, she also admitted it could be a "tactic" to gain more headlines. It comes as Strictly star La Voix commits to a huge live show during the competition. PR Carla Speight said of Tom's inclusion: "After all the scandals from the last series of Strictly, I'm surprised we've got a new series. This time round, it appears they've taken inspiration from the team behind I'm A Celebrity and booked a polarising character to grab the headlines, and it's worked. "Given that there's been scandal after scandal in recent years for the BBC, alongside mass accusations of being biased and drama over the years behind the glittery scenes of the Ballroom favourite, I'm genuinely surprised we have a new series. "This time round, they should have played it safe in a bid to regain trust with celebrities with bigger profiles, but instead they decided to go for more drama." She went on: "From a PR strategy perspective, they had two choices: play it safer, risking a decline in viewing figures, in order to attract bigger stars in the future with some investment and good PR. Or book a polarising cast member, who appeases the right in the hope it softens them and reduces the volume of people questioning their license fees. Tom Skinner is ideal for that, though I doubt the longstanding fans of the supposedly family-friendly show will be pleased to watch him if he makes it past the first episode." Carla also revealed that his relationship with Vance could strengthen the motive behind his booking. However, she said: "I wonder if this could end up being a step and a shimmy too far right for the Strictly team to handle. Strictly's loyal LGBTQ+ and female viewers won't be impressed by this at all, given what's happening in the US and what's happened behind the scenes of previous series of the BBC flagship show. "It is surprising that the BBC bosses approved his casting, as they should be focusing on rebuilding the Strictly brand after all the abuse and misconduct reported in recent years. But instead, they've opted for taking the same tactics as a rage-baiting YouTube clip. "An institution, with loyal fans who expect better of them, resorting to this tactic could be a sign that this is the last Tango for the hit series." Further adding her view on the addition of Tom, Carla went on: "There's been an immediate uproar over his booking, but then that's probably what the bosses were hoping for. Rage baiting is a simple tactic to guarantee headlines, and the US will pick it up, too, given Tom's recent affiliations. "For Tom, that's great news; he'll gain more followers both in the UK and the US who share the same views. It's also a win for Strictly bosses as they're everywhere now and trending online, but at what cost in the long term?" She concluded by saying that "only time will tell" if this is a good move for the show.
Scotsman
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Free Children's Shows: Here are 11 shows for the kids with completely free entry
August is fast approaching which means it's time to scour the Edinbugh Festival Fringe programme for the best shows to see. The physical programme has over 3,350 shows across 265 venues, meaning it can be a daunting task to work out what exactly you are going to see. It can be an expensive business too, with many shows at the bigger venues now costing over £20 for the first time - and that's doubly the case if you are booking tickets for the while family Luckily, there's a Fringe experience for all budgets, including hundred of free shows that just ask you to turn up early and queue to be sure of a seat - and that includes shows for kids. Of course, they're not necessarily entirely free - you'll be asked to check some money into a bucket (or increasingly make a contactless payment) on the way out, with £5-£10 being a ballpark figure for a show that you have enjoyed. Some shows also give you the opportunity to 'pay what you want' in advance to secure a seat. There are two main sources of free shows - the Free Festival and PBH's Free Fringe - both of which operated in similar ways and tend to take place in pubs around the Scottish Capital. Here are 11 that caught our eye. You can check out the programmes at the Free Festival's website here and PBH's Free Fringe here . Remember not all shows are included in the Fringe official programme. 1 . Olaf Falafel's Stupidest Super Stupid Show – New Improved Recipe The title says it all - Olaf Falafel's shows are very stupid in just the way that kids love. Expect plenty of jokes about bodily functions in the show billed as "comedy show comedians take their kids to". It's on at the Ballroom at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House at 11.30am most mornings from July 31-August 24. | Contributed Photo Sales 2 . A Magic Morning Tim the magician is performing a range of tricks sure to entertain the kids each morning at 11.10am from August 2-24 at the Little Plaza venue as part of the PBH Free Fringe. | Contributed Photo Sales 3 . The Buttons Show It may not be Christmas, but there's still some pantomime fun in Edinburgh this August courtery of The Buttons Show. It promised an hour of "amazing puppets, fabulous stories, dazzling magic and catchy Scottish singalong songs (including, of course, 'Oh Ye Canny Shove Yir Granny Aff The Bus'). It's all happening at noon each day at Murphy's from August 2-24. | Contributed Photo Sales 4 . CeilidhKids at the Fringe What better way to start a day at the Fringe with the wee ones than with a Scottish ceilidh. Taking place most mornings from July 31-August 24 at the Ballroom at the Counting House, this is the perfect introduction to Scottish country dancing for kids, with simplified versions of many old favourites. | Contributed Photo Sales
Los Angeles Times
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
27 must-see panels at San Diego Comic-Con
It's that time again: San Diego Comic-Con is upon us. Comic-Con 2025 officially kicks off Thursday. More than 130,000 pop culture aficionados make the pilgrimage for the four-day extravaganza in and around the San Diego Convention Center. The event, which originally centered on comic books and their collectors, now encompasses a variety of media across television, film, games and more. Activities for attendees include pop-ups, activations, autograph sessions and hours of programming. Here are select panels this reporter is looking forward to. (The full programming schedule is available at the Comic-Con International site.) Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender 20th Anniversary10 - 11 20 The cast and creators of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' assemble to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary. Will it be just a lookback or will they reveal what's next for the franchise? Percy Jackson and the Olympians11 a.m. - 12 H Your favorite young demigods hit Hall H to tease the upcoming second season of the fantasy TV series. Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn and Daniel Diemer are among those expected to appear. Star Wars: Andor: From Resistance to Rebellion12 - 1 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina A deep dive into 'Andor' Season 2 with a panel of academics and authors discussing the show's themes including resisting authoritarianism and rebellion. Robert Kirkman Live at SDCC1 - 2 6BCF The prolific comic book creator and Skybound Entertainment co-founder will be on hand to discuss what's next in the worlds of 'Invincible,' 'The Walking Dead' and more. Critical Role: 10 Years and Still Rolling1:45 - 2:45 20 Critical Role founders and cast members Ashley Johnson, Marisha Ray, Taliesin Jaffe, Matthew Mercer, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, Sam Riegel and Liam O'Brien reflect on their journey so far. (Fans interested in their animated shows 'Vox Machina' and 'The Mighty Nein' can also catch the panel at the Indigo Ballroom of the Hilton Bayfront from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.) Hallmark Hallstars1:45 - 2:45 Ballroom The panel for those craving a dose of Hallmark Christmas movies in July. Hallmark film and series stars will be on hand to share sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes tea. (And if you also love procedurals, stick around for the 'NCIS: Tony & Ziva' panel right after.) Blumhouse's 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2'4:15 - 5:15 H For horror movie buffs, the filmmakers and stars of the supernatural will take the stage to tease the upcoming sequel. Comedy Central Adult Animation: South Park, Beavis & Butt-Head, and Digman!6:45 - 7:45 H The creative minds behind adult animated hits, including Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mike Judge and Andy Samberg, hit Hall H to discuss their shows. Cartoon Network Studios: Cartoon Cartoons Animated Shorts Showcase10 - 10:45 Ballroom A screening and spotlight on Cartoon Network Studios' shorts program and its artists. 'Revival': From Comics to TV10:30 - 11:30 6A 'Revival' comic book creators Tim Seeley and Mike Norton join the showrunners and cast of the TV adaptation on bringing the show to life. 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Season 312:15 - 1:15 H Is it really Comic-Con without 'The Walking Dead'? The presentation will include the show's cast, creatives and the debut of the Season 3 trailer. The Wait is Over: FX's 'Alien: Earth' World Premiere and Q&A1:25pm - 2:50pmHall H The cast and creatives (including creator Noah Hawley) of the upcoming 'Alien' prequel series will screen the pilot episode. Collider's Inside Hollywood with Bob Odenkirk1:30 - 2:15 20 A one-on-one with the 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul' star to look back at his career and tease his upcoming film 'Nobody 2.' 'King of the Hill'4 - 4:45 Ballroom The world premiere of the 'King of the Hill' revival, with the show's co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels; showrunner Saladin Patterson; and cast members Pamela Adlon, Kathy Najimy, Lauren Tom and Toby Huss. Godzilla at 70: Seven Decades of the King of the Monsters4:15pm - 5:15pmRoom 6DE 'Shin Godzilla' director Shinji Higuchi will be among those that take the stage for this celebration of the iconic kaiju. Experts will also talk Godzilla collectibles, comics and more. 'Predator: Badlands'4:15pm - 5:15pmHall H Director Dan Trachtenberg and stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi will take the stage to share sneak peeks and tease their upcoming standalone 'Predator' film. Bob's Burgers10 - 10:45 20 'Bob's Burgers' is approaching its 300th episode. The cast and creatives behind one of the best TV families will take the stage to share news, sneak peeks and more. (Fans of 'Futurama' and 'The Simpsons' might want to stick around for those panels right after.) ABC's Abbott Elementary11:15 a.m. - 12:15 Ballroom School is almost back in session. Stars Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, William Stanford Davis and Sheryl Lee Ralph will be among those on hand to talk about the show after a screening of a fan-favorite Season 4 episode. Star Trek Universe12:30 - 2:00 H A supersize presentation featuring panels for 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' and the upcoming 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.' Cast members Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong and Paul Wesley will be among those gathered to talk 'Strange New Worlds.' The 'Starfleet Academy' team will include Holly Hunter, Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins and Bella Shepard. 'Voyager' alum and 'Starfeet Academy' cast member Robert Picardo will be on hand to moderate. 'Ghosts'3:30 - 4:15 20 For those of us who like our ghosts to be a little less scary. Cast members Utkarsh Ambudkar, Danielle Pinnock, Asher Grodman and Devan Chandler Long will hit the stage along with executive producers Joe Port and Joe Wiseman. 'Peacemaker' Sneak Peek and Panel3:30 - 4:30 H DC Studios co-chief James Gunn will be joined by 'Peacemaker' cast members John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, Frank Grillo, Sol Rodriguez and Tim Meadows to talk Season 2. Yes, there will be footage. Anne Rice Immortal Universe: Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice's Talamasca4:30 - 6:00 20 A shared panel for the shared Anne Rice universe. The casts and creatives of 'Interview With the Vampire' and the upcoming 'Talamasca' will discuss each of their corners of their supernatural world. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle5:45 - 6:45 H 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle' has already shattered Japanese box-office records. The first film in a trilogy spanning the final arc of a hit anime series might not be the best place to start for those new to the franchise, but fans won't want to miss this panel that will feature guests from Japan. 'IT: Welcome to Derry'9:15 - 9:45 6DE A sneak peek of the upcoming prequel TV series with executive producers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti. Explore Disney's 'Amphibia' with Matt Braly10:30 - 11:30 6A 'Amphibia' creator Matt Braly and friends will discuss the animated show and the upcoming graphic novel continuation. Sneak Peek: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art11 a.m. - 12 H George Lucas joins director Guillermo del Toro and artist Doug Chiang to discuss the power of illustrated storytelling and to tease his museum, in a conversation moderated by Queen Latifah. An Afternoon with George Takei1:30 - 2:30 6A Actor, author and icon George Takei will discuss his latest memoir, 'It Rhymes With Takei'; his award-winning graphic novel, 'They Called Us Enemy'; and more.
News18
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Alan Bergman, Oscar-Winning Lyricist, Dies At 99
Oscar-winning lyricist Alan Bergman passed away at 99. Bergman had respiratory issues but wrote songs until his final days. Alan Bergman, one of Hollywood's most celebrated lyricists, passed away on Thursday night (July 17) at his Los Angeles home. He was 99. A family spokesperson confirmed the news on Friday, noting that Bergman had been dealing with respiratory issues in recent months but continued writing songs until his final days. Bergman, along with his wife and creative partner Marilyn Bergman, created some of the most iconic songs in film and television history. The couple married in 1958 and remained together both professionally and personally until Marilyn's death in 2022. Together, they penned hundreds of songs that became enduring classics, leaving an unmistakable mark on American music. Their partnership spanned decades and included collaborations with top composers like Marvin Hamlisch, Quincy Jones, Michel Legrand, and Cy Coleman. The Bergmans' lyrics became the voice of cinematic emotion, with their songs performed by legends such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Michael Jackson, and their longtime friend Barbra Streisand. Among their most cherished works are The Way We Were, How Do You Keep the Music Playing?, It Might Be You, and You Don't Bring Me Flowers. Their music also made its way into television, writing theme songs for shows like Maude and Good Times. Notable film contributions included The Windmills of Your Mind from The Thomas Crown Affair, In the Heat of the Night, and It Might Be You from Tootsie. The Way We Were, recorded by Streisand for the 1973 romantic drama of the same name, became an anthem of nostalgia and longing. Its opening lines — 'Memories / light the corners of my mind…" — have become some of the most recognizable lyrics in pop culture. The song topped charts in 1974 and earned the Bergmans one of their three Academy Awards. In total, they received 16 Oscar nominations. Beyond the Oscars, their accolades included two Grammys, four Emmys, and several lifetime achievement awards. Streisand even released an album in 2011 dedicated to their work titled What Matters Most, while Alan Bergman himself recorded a solo album, Lyrically, Alan Bergman. Though best known for their work in film, the Bergmans also wrote for Broadway (Ballroom) and composed lyrics for the symphony Visions of America. Their legacy continues through the timeless songs that captured the hearts of generations. First Published: July 19, 2025, 10:50 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Edinburgh Live
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly star opens up on 'incredibly traumatic' time with 'not very nice' pro partner
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Fiona Phillips has claimed that her experience on Strictly Come Dancing didn't live up to what it appears to be like on camera. Strictly is known for its sparkle and excitement, as professional dancers teach celebrities Ballroom and Latin routines. Reflecting on her time on the show, the 64-year-old said there were often moments where she'd be "on the brink of tears" during what she has described as an "incredibly traumatic" time. In the former GMTV presenter's new book Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, serialised by the Daily Mail, she delves into her career and personal struggles. Recounting her time on Strictly 20 years on from taking part, she shared: "He [Brendan Cole] could also be seen looking at my dancing and saying, 'Pathetic, it's not good enough!' Then I'm begging him to 'stop shouting' and worrying that I look completely ridiculous," reports the Mirror. "There's a clip where I say to the cameraman that Brendan is looking at me like he's stepped in something. I really don't remember much of that time now – maybe I blocked it out because all I recall is the sense that it was incredibly traumatic." Fiona went on to say that at the time she had also questioned her participation, given that she had just placed her mother in a care home, and was "exhausted" from it all. "Fortunately (although I don't think Brendan saw it that way), we were voted out in week four. It was all over on Bonfire Night. What a relief," she continued. In 2018, Brendan didn't have his contract for the series renewed and emotionally discussed the decision on ITV's Lorraine. Following this announcement, Fiona claimed it was "karma" and took a swipe at Brendan. She told the Daily Star: "Brendan was a real b****r, actually. He wasn't very nice. He was really naughty. "He's not on the show now. Karma indeed. It works its way every time." A representative for Brendan has been contacted. Fiona's book is mostly focused on her battle with Alzheimer's, which she was diagnosed with in 2022. In a bid to stay positive, she has continued with her career, with the support of her husband Martin Frizell, and keeps active with strolls in the park and enjoying coffee outings with friends. Speaking to The Mirror in 2023, she revealed: "I'm living with it by not letting it ruin things. I am just carrying on as much as I can. It's when I talk about it that I can't quite believe I'm talking about myself - I'm used to talking about it in relation to my mum and my dad having it. "My whole family have been slaughtered by it. I'm not sure if the drugs are working or not... I don't think anyone would know there is anything wrong with me.. but who knows? Would they?".
