Dame Helen Mirren said that she is “blown away” after seeing her likeness captured in a new Barbie doll, which Mattel is releasing this week ahead of International Women’s Day. The latest batch of role model toys also includes dolls for Kylie Minogue, Viola Davis and Shania Twain.
The release, also marking Barbie’s 65th anniversary, is part of the Barbie Dream Gap Project, which was launched in 2018 to challenge gender stereotypes and help “undo the biases that hold girls back from reaching their full potential,” according to Mattel. In addition to including these four famous women, this week’s new set of dolls includes creator Maira Gomez, of Brazil’s indigenous Tatuyo community; Mexican filmmaker Lila Avilés; German comic Enissa Amani; and Japanese model Nicole Fujita.
“I am absolutely blown away by my Barbie,” Mirren said in a statement posted to her website. “To be chosen by Barbie...
The release, also marking Barbie’s 65th anniversary, is part of the Barbie Dream Gap Project, which was launched in 2018 to challenge gender stereotypes and help “undo the biases that hold girls back from reaching their full potential,” according to Mattel. In addition to including these four famous women, this week’s new set of dolls includes creator Maira Gomez, of Brazil’s indigenous Tatuyo community; Mexican filmmaker Lila Avilés; German comic Enissa Amani; and Japanese model Nicole Fujita.
“I am absolutely blown away by my Barbie,” Mirren said in a statement posted to her website. “To be chosen by Barbie...
- 3/6/2024
- by Kevin Dolak
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In Plato’s allegory of the cave, a group of people find themselves bound to the walls of a subterranean hangout. Ahead of them they see flickering shadows, caused by the distant fires of the sunlit world, but all else, for them, is darkness. Are these shadows reality, or just a pale facsimile? That was the question of two millennia ago: now it’s Channel 4’s turn to use darkness as an allegory for reality (or reality TV), with Scared in the Dark, a new five-part celebrity reality show told, not by Plato, but by Danny Dyer.
Scared of the Dark follows a group of eight celebrities – boxers Chris Eubank and Nicola Adams, singer Max George, Love Islander Chloe Burrows, ubiquitous TV person Scarlett Moffatt, actor Donna Preston, stand-up Chris McCausland and, well, Gazza – as they spend a week or so in the pitch black. “Located deep within a 146,000 sq ft hangar,...
Scared of the Dark follows a group of eight celebrities – boxers Chris Eubank and Nicola Adams, singer Max George, Love Islander Chloe Burrows, ubiquitous TV person Scarlett Moffatt, actor Donna Preston, stand-up Chris McCausland and, well, Gazza – as they spend a week or so in the pitch black. “Located deep within a 146,000 sq ft hangar,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Nick Hilton
- The Independent - TV
Former England footballer Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne has become the first ever winner of experimental Channel 4 reality show Scared of the Dark.
Gascoigne came out on top over seven other celebrities, after spending 180 hours in complete darkness – living, eating, sleeping and completing challenges.
The series, billed as a “world first”, came to a close on Thursday (20 April) with the winner announced by host Danny Dyer.
Following his win, Gascoigne said he had been “nervous” to take part but said the experience had made him “a better person”.
“People always question my mental strength but my success on this series proves that I am strong,” he said.
“I was nervous going in there but having gotten this far on the series made me the happiest man around.
“I’m so happy. It’s unbelievable. I’ve got my smile back. I’m a better person.”
Read The Independent’s review of the series here.
Gascoigne came out on top over seven other celebrities, after spending 180 hours in complete darkness – living, eating, sleeping and completing challenges.
The series, billed as a “world first”, came to a close on Thursday (20 April) with the winner announced by host Danny Dyer.
Following his win, Gascoigne said he had been “nervous” to take part but said the experience had made him “a better person”.
“People always question my mental strength but my success on this series proves that I am strong,” he said.
“I was nervous going in there but having gotten this far on the series made me the happiest man around.
“I’m so happy. It’s unbelievable. I’ve got my smile back. I’m a better person.”
Read The Independent’s review of the series here.
- 4/21/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
In Plato’s allegory of the cave, a group of people find themselves bound to the walls of a subterranean hangout. Ahead of them they see flickering shadows, caused by the distant fires of the sunlit world, but all else, for them, is darkness. Are these shadows reality, or just a pale facsimile? That was the question of two millennia ago: now it’s Channel 4’s turn to use darkness as an allegory for reality (or reality TV), with Scared in the Dark, a new five-part celebrity reality show told, not by Plato, but by Danny Dyer.
Scared of the Dark follows a group of eight celebrities – boxers Chris Eubank and Nicola Adams, singer Max George, Love Islander Chloe Burrows, ubiquitous TV person Scarlett Moffatt, actor Donna Preston, stand-up Chris McCausland and, well, Gazza – as they spend a week or so in the pitch black. “Located deep within a 146,000 sq ft hangar,...
Scared of the Dark follows a group of eight celebrities – boxers Chris Eubank and Nicola Adams, singer Max George, Love Islander Chloe Burrows, ubiquitous TV person Scarlett Moffatt, actor Donna Preston, stand-up Chris McCausland and, well, Gazza – as they spend a week or so in the pitch black. “Located deep within a 146,000 sq ft hangar,...
- 4/16/2023
- by Nick Hilton
- The Independent - TV
Emma Watson has opened up in a rare personal post to mark her 33rd birthday.
The Harry Potter star, who turned 33 on Saturday (15 April), shared a post on Instagram describing how she had “stepped away from my life” over the past couple of years.
“This is 33,” she began. “Holy moly. Before 29 I hadn’t even heard of a Saturn Return as a concept. Let’s just say that now I am well acquainted.”
She went on to write about how she had learnt to surf “badly”, ridden horses, done “a lot of therapy” and “said goodbye to my Grandma and Grandpa”.
“I cut my thumb nail off on both hands trying to cook for myself and then was only able to do things one handed for months,” she wrote. “I felt really sad and really pissed off about a lot of things. I learnt more about love and being a woman…...
The Harry Potter star, who turned 33 on Saturday (15 April), shared a post on Instagram describing how she had “stepped away from my life” over the past couple of years.
“This is 33,” she began. “Holy moly. Before 29 I hadn’t even heard of a Saturn Return as a concept. Let’s just say that now I am well acquainted.”
She went on to write about how she had learnt to surf “badly”, ridden horses, done “a lot of therapy” and “said goodbye to my Grandma and Grandpa”.
“I cut my thumb nail off on both hands trying to cook for myself and then was only able to do things one handed for months,” she wrote. “I felt really sad and really pissed off about a lot of things. I learnt more about love and being a woman…...
- 4/16/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Film
Kate Middleton is paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The Princess of Wales held her second royal Christmas Carols service on December 15, with it airing on Christmas Eve.
In a special recording at the start of the televised “Royal Carols: Together At Christmas” broadcast, Kate said: “Her Majesty held Christmas close to her heart, as a time that brought people together and reminded us of the importance of faith, friendship and family, and to show empathy and compassion.”
The royal shared, “Last year’s event reminded me what I love most about Christmas: seeing people coming together, celebrating and experiencing special moments, whilst also thinking about the year that’s passed.”
Kate Middleton. Credit: Kensington Palace
Read More: Prince William And Kate Middleton Step Out For Cute Family Outing At Annual Christmas Concert
In a clip posted on Instagram, the Princess, who looked stunning in a glittering ensemble,...
The Princess of Wales held her second royal Christmas Carols service on December 15, with it airing on Christmas Eve.
In a special recording at the start of the televised “Royal Carols: Together At Christmas” broadcast, Kate said: “Her Majesty held Christmas close to her heart, as a time that brought people together and reminded us of the importance of faith, friendship and family, and to show empathy and compassion.”
The royal shared, “Last year’s event reminded me what I love most about Christmas: seeing people coming together, celebrating and experiencing special moments, whilst also thinking about the year that’s passed.”
Kate Middleton. Credit: Kensington Palace
Read More: Prince William And Kate Middleton Step Out For Cute Family Outing At Annual Christmas Concert
In a clip posted on Instagram, the Princess, who looked stunning in a glittering ensemble,...
- 12/23/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
It says a lot that Katya Jones winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 is arguably the least interesting thing to happen to her since joining the show. Along the way, the Russian dancer has faced scandals, divorce and arguments with her partners, while honing a skill for polishing untrained celebrities into dance diamonds. Where certain pros who may now sit on the judging panel would get lumped with a “joke” contestant like, off the top of my head, Ann Widdecombe, and accept that stereotype, giving them unchallenging choreography and even, say, dragging them around the floor, Jones never does. For her, there are no “joke” contestants. Not Ed Balls. Not Tony Adams.
On day one of her first season in 2017, the pro was dropped in at the deep end. Partnered with Balls, a former shadow chancellor famous for, among other things, tweeting the words “Ed Balls” with no explanation, she chose to swim.
On day one of her first season in 2017, the pro was dropped in at the deep end. Partnered with Balls, a former shadow chancellor famous for, among other things, tweeting the words “Ed Balls” with no explanation, she chose to swim.
- 11/12/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
BAFTA Launches Filmmaking Campaign With Digital Cinema Media & Big Zuu
BAFTA and Digital Cinema Media have launched a campaign titled ‘Behind every BAFTA’ based around a national cinema ad, highlighting the diverse range of skills that contribute to the production of award-winning films, games, and television with the aim to inspire the next generation of creative talent. Dcm’s creative arm Dcm Studio produced the ad, which is narrated by double BAFTA-winner Big Zuu and features rare behind-the-scenes content and clips from films including Skyfall, Get Out and 1917. The ad premieres on Friday August 19 across the UK and will run for seven weeks, appearing alongside films such as Jordan Peele’s latest Nope, Olivia Wilde’s Venice-bound Don’t Worry Darling, and the Brad Pitt-starrer Bullet Train.
Netflix’s ’14 Peaks’ Producer Noah Media Group Reshuffles Production & Development
Netflix’s 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible producer Noah Media Group...
BAFTA and Digital Cinema Media have launched a campaign titled ‘Behind every BAFTA’ based around a national cinema ad, highlighting the diverse range of skills that contribute to the production of award-winning films, games, and television with the aim to inspire the next generation of creative talent. Dcm’s creative arm Dcm Studio produced the ad, which is narrated by double BAFTA-winner Big Zuu and features rare behind-the-scenes content and clips from films including Skyfall, Get Out and 1917. The ad premieres on Friday August 19 across the UK and will run for seven weeks, appearing alongside films such as Jordan Peele’s latest Nope, Olivia Wilde’s Venice-bound Don’t Worry Darling, and the Brad Pitt-starrer Bullet Train.
Netflix’s ’14 Peaks’ Producer Noah Media Group Reshuffles Production & Development
Netflix’s 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible producer Noah Media Group...
- 8/19/2022
- by Zac Ntim and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
"She told me she wanted to be world champion - I didn't tell her she couldn't." Gravitas has unveiled the official US trailer for an indie documentary called Lioness: The Nicola Adams Story, telling the story of Olympic Gold Medalist Nicola Adams OBE. This is arriving in the US on VOD starting this April, for those interested in learning more about her story. Adams became the first woman ever to win an Olympic Gold medal for boxing - initially at the London 2012 Olympics, then again at Rio 2016. Lioness is a feature-length biographical documentary of Nicola Adams OBE, the double Olympic and Wbo female boxing champion, and the first woman to ever represent England in boxing. She also became the first openly LGBT person to win an Olympic boxing gold medal, after her win at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Quite a story! Looks good. Official trailer (+ poster) for Helena Coan's doc Lioness: The Nicola Adams Story,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Lionsgate and Salon Pictures, the BAFTA-nominated production company behind films including “Audrey” and “Stardust,” are teaming to make a biopic of legendary female boxer Nicola Adams.
Billed as a coming of age story, “Hear Me Roar” will tell the rise of Adams, an undefeated Wbo champion and double Olympic gold medallist. Overcoming personal struggles, she ended up becoming the first woman to hold the Commonwealth, European, World, and Olympic boxing titles.
Helena Coan (“Audrey”) will direct the feature based on a screenplay by Charlie Josephine (“Bitch Boxer”). The project has Adams’ full participation.
Coan recently directed “Lionness,” a documentary about Adams, in collaboration with Salon Pictures, which was snapped up by Amazon Prime Video.
“We really enjoyed making the Amazon Original documentary of Nicola, and were keen to make a scripted dramatization of Nicola’s story,” Salon Pictures’ Nick Taussig said: “It feels extraordinarily timely – she battles childhood hardship and adversity,...
Billed as a coming of age story, “Hear Me Roar” will tell the rise of Adams, an undefeated Wbo champion and double Olympic gold medallist. Overcoming personal struggles, she ended up becoming the first woman to hold the Commonwealth, European, World, and Olympic boxing titles.
Helena Coan (“Audrey”) will direct the feature based on a screenplay by Charlie Josephine (“Bitch Boxer”). The project has Adams’ full participation.
Coan recently directed “Lionness,” a documentary about Adams, in collaboration with Salon Pictures, which was snapped up by Amazon Prime Video.
“We really enjoyed making the Amazon Original documentary of Nicola, and were keen to make a scripted dramatization of Nicola’s story,” Salon Pictures’ Nick Taussig said: “It feels extraordinarily timely – she battles childhood hardship and adversity,...
- 3/16/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Celebrities from TV, fashion, comedy and sport have joined forces to support Save the Children's 10th annual Christmas jumper day on Friday 10th December.
Now in its tenth year, Christmas Jumper Day has raised over £27 million for Save the Children since its launch in 2012.
In a bid to help give children a more magical Christmas, this year a whole host of celebrities have donned vintage festive jumpers in support of Christmas Jumper Day, including Holly Willoughby, Alex Scott, Emma Bunton, Kate Garraway, Wes Nelson, Seema Jaswal, Dr Ranj Singh, Andi Oliver, Adil Ray, Suzi Ruffell, Alex Brooker, Nina Wadia, Georgia Toffolo, Nicola Adams, Joel Dommett, Lee Ridley and Adam Pearson.
For its tenth anniversary, Save the Children is encouraging the nation to dig out vintage jumpers, upcycle or shop second hand, to make this the most sustainable Christmas Jumper Day yet. After another year spent mostly in leisurewear, more is more this December 10th.
Now in its tenth year, Christmas Jumper Day has raised over £27 million for Save the Children since its launch in 2012.
In a bid to help give children a more magical Christmas, this year a whole host of celebrities have donned vintage festive jumpers in support of Christmas Jumper Day, including Holly Willoughby, Alex Scott, Emma Bunton, Kate Garraway, Wes Nelson, Seema Jaswal, Dr Ranj Singh, Andi Oliver, Adil Ray, Suzi Ruffell, Alex Brooker, Nina Wadia, Georgia Toffolo, Nicola Adams, Joel Dommett, Lee Ridley and Adam Pearson.
For its tenth anniversary, Save the Children is encouraging the nation to dig out vintage jumpers, upcycle or shop second hand, to make this the most sustainable Christmas Jumper Day yet. After another year spent mostly in leisurewear, more is more this December 10th.
- 11/26/2021
- Look to the Stars
Austria Selects Great Freedom For Oscars
Austria has selected Sebastian Meise’s Great Freedom as its official submission for Best International Feature Film for the 94th Academy Awards. Set in post-war Germany, the movie tells the story of Hans who is imprisoned time and time again for being homosexual. Due to Paragraph 175, which prohibited homosexual acts in Germany, his desire for freedom is systematically destroyed. The one steady relationship in his life becomes his long-time cellmate, Viktor (Georg Friedrich), a convicted murderer. The film stars Franz Rogowski (Victoria) and Berlinale Silver Bear awardee Georg Friedrich (The Piano Teacher) in leading roles, with a screenplay by Thomas Reider and Meise. Producers are Sabine Moser, Oliver Neumann, and Benny Drechsel. The 2021 Cannes entry and Un Certain Regard Jury Prize winner will be released by Mubi theatrically in the U.S. and UK on March 4, 2022. Meanwhile, per the Japanese Filmmakers Federation, Japan has...
Austria has selected Sebastian Meise’s Great Freedom as its official submission for Best International Feature Film for the 94th Academy Awards. Set in post-war Germany, the movie tells the story of Hans who is imprisoned time and time again for being homosexual. Due to Paragraph 175, which prohibited homosexual acts in Germany, his desire for freedom is systematically destroyed. The one steady relationship in his life becomes his long-time cellmate, Viktor (Georg Friedrich), a convicted murderer. The film stars Franz Rogowski (Victoria) and Berlinale Silver Bear awardee Georg Friedrich (The Piano Teacher) in leading roles, with a screenplay by Thomas Reider and Meise. Producers are Sabine Moser, Oliver Neumann, and Benny Drechsel. The 2021 Cannes entry and Un Certain Regard Jury Prize winner will be released by Mubi theatrically in the U.S. and UK on March 4, 2022. Meanwhile, per the Japanese Filmmakers Federation, Japan has...
- 10/12/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman and Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Chloe Tai, Edward Parodi, Anisha Kasozi and Léo Teste take on new roles.
Film Constellation has promoted four staff to executive level, in a change to the leadership structure at the UK-based production, finance and sales firm.
Chloe Tai becomes director of marketing, general manager, with broadened management responsibilities and a focus on team leadership and corporate impact work. Based in London, Tai will report directly to Film Constellation founder and CEO Fabien Westerhoff, who is based in Amsterdam.
Tai joined Film Constellation in 2017 following a career in marketing at L’Oreal, and has since worked on international distribution campaigns for...
Film Constellation has promoted four staff to executive level, in a change to the leadership structure at the UK-based production, finance and sales firm.
Chloe Tai becomes director of marketing, general manager, with broadened management responsibilities and a focus on team leadership and corporate impact work. Based in London, Tai will report directly to Film Constellation founder and CEO Fabien Westerhoff, who is based in Amsterdam.
Tai joined Film Constellation in 2017 following a career in marketing at L’Oreal, and has since worked on international distribution campaigns for...
- 6/22/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Lioness, the feature documentary about Olympic boxing champions Nicola Adams that Deadline first revealed in February, will be launched by Amazon Prime Video in the UK and Ireland this summer.
The project will chart Adams’ rise from the streets of Leeds to being a boxing champion as well as a notably rare LGBT sports figure. Adams has been a full participant. It comes from producers Salon Pictures, the company behind McQueen, and director Helena Coan, whose credits include Audrey. Nick Taussig and Annabel Wigoder are producing with Laure Vaysse of Rep Productions (Billie). Film Constellation is handling international sales.
“Nicola is a trailblazer and her story is one that will inspire audiences of all backgrounds,” said Martin Backlund, Head of Content, UK Prime Video. “Lioness examines Nicola’s life spent fighting fierce competitors, prejudice and adversity and her determination to never give up. We couldn’t be happier to share her story,...
The project will chart Adams’ rise from the streets of Leeds to being a boxing champion as well as a notably rare LGBT sports figure. Adams has been a full participant. It comes from producers Salon Pictures, the company behind McQueen, and director Helena Coan, whose credits include Audrey. Nick Taussig and Annabel Wigoder are producing with Laure Vaysse of Rep Productions (Billie). Film Constellation is handling international sales.
“Nicola is a trailblazer and her story is one that will inspire audiences of all backgrounds,” said Martin Backlund, Head of Content, UK Prime Video. “Lioness examines Nicola’s life spent fighting fierce competitors, prejudice and adversity and her determination to never give up. We couldn’t be happier to share her story,...
- 5/18/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
London-based production, finance and sales outfit “Film Constellation” has boarded international sales on dystopian sci-fi thriller “Settlers,” directed by Wyatt Rockefeller, and starring Sofia Boutella, whose credits include “Atomic Blonde,” “The Mummy,” the “Kingsman” franchise and “Star Trek: Beyond.”
Boutella plays Ilsa, a refugee from Earth, who has settled with her husband and daughter on the harsh and arid terrain of a Martian outpost. With nothing but a few crops and a domesticated robot, the family clings to hope for a better life, but everything is turned upside down when a group of armed assailants appear on the surrounding hills. Mother and daughter must then adapt at all cost to survive until it’s time to finally strike back.
The movie, which was shot on the remote border of South Africa and Namibia, is now in post-production.
The cast also includes Brooklynn Prince, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Nell Tiger Free, and Jonny Lee Miller.
Boutella plays Ilsa, a refugee from Earth, who has settled with her husband and daughter on the harsh and arid terrain of a Martian outpost. With nothing but a few crops and a domesticated robot, the family clings to hope for a better life, but everything is turned upside down when a group of armed assailants appear on the surrounding hills. Mother and daughter must then adapt at all cost to survive until it’s time to finally strike back.
The movie, which was shot on the remote border of South Africa and Namibia, is now in post-production.
The cast also includes Brooklynn Prince, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Nell Tiger Free, and Jonny Lee Miller.
- 4/12/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Nicola Adams, the Olympic boxing champion and LGBT icon, will be the subject of feature documentary Lioness: The Nicola Adams Story.
The project comes from Salon Pictures, the producers of the BAFTA nominated fashion doc McQueen, and director Helena Coan, whose credits include Audrey, about the screen icon. Salon’s Nick Taussig and Annabel Wigoder are producing with Laure Vaysse of Rep Productions (Billie).
The movie is now in production and Film Constellation has boarded sales ahead of the European Film Market, with UK rights already having been snapped up.
The film will chart Adams’ rise from the streets of Leeds to being a boxing champion as well as a notably rare LGBT sports figure. Adams has been a full participant in the project.
“I hope this documentary will help inspire young people to realise that whatever adversities life might throw at you, you can overcome them,” said Adams.
The project comes from Salon Pictures, the producers of the BAFTA nominated fashion doc McQueen, and director Helena Coan, whose credits include Audrey, about the screen icon. Salon’s Nick Taussig and Annabel Wigoder are producing with Laure Vaysse of Rep Productions (Billie).
The movie is now in production and Film Constellation has boarded sales ahead of the European Film Market, with UK rights already having been snapped up.
The film will chart Adams’ rise from the streets of Leeds to being a boxing champion as well as a notably rare LGBT sports figure. Adams has been a full participant in the project.
“I hope this documentary will help inspire young people to realise that whatever adversities life might throw at you, you can overcome them,” said Adams.
- 2/25/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Clintons’ HiddenLight Hires ‘For Sama’ EP
HiddenLight Productions, the production outfit co-founded by Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sam Branson, and Chelsea Clinton, has hired BAFTA and Emmy-winning executive producer Siobhan Sinnerton to the role of creative director and SVP of unscripted. She joins from Channel 4, where she commissioned and executive produced the Oscar-nominated documentary For Sama. Sinnerton has worked at Channel 4 for more than a decade, with her other credits including The Hunt for Jihadi John, BAFTA-winning Myanmar’s Killing Fields, and Emmy-winning Escape from Isis. Sinnerton will report to HiddenLight CEO, Johnny Webb, who said: “Siobhan’s love for premium storytelling, impact and innovation makes her a very exciting addition to our senior team.” Sinnerton added: “The need to create programmes that have real purpose, but that also entertain and reach the widest possible audience, is more pressing now than ever before. HiddenLight is one of the most exciting...
HiddenLight Productions, the production outfit co-founded by Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sam Branson, and Chelsea Clinton, has hired BAFTA and Emmy-winning executive producer Siobhan Sinnerton to the role of creative director and SVP of unscripted. She joins from Channel 4, where she commissioned and executive produced the Oscar-nominated documentary For Sama. Sinnerton has worked at Channel 4 for more than a decade, with her other credits including The Hunt for Jihadi John, BAFTA-winning Myanmar’s Killing Fields, and Emmy-winning Escape from Isis. Sinnerton will report to HiddenLight CEO, Johnny Webb, who said: “Siobhan’s love for premium storytelling, impact and innovation makes her a very exciting addition to our senior team.” Sinnerton added: “The need to create programmes that have real purpose, but that also entertain and reach the widest possible audience, is more pressing now than ever before. HiddenLight is one of the most exciting...
- 2/24/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Gleb Savchenko wanted to dance with Johnny Weir last season when the figure skater was cast in the 29th season of “Dancing with the Stars” last fall. That’s what the pro dancer told Mr. Warburton Magazine in a recent interview. But alas, it wasn’t meant to be. The conservative-leaning ABC reality competition series still has never had a same-sex couple compete for the Mirror Ball Trophy. And it’s long overdue.
SEERemember when Zendaya almost won ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and Val Chmerkovskiy told her she’d win an Oscar one day?
“I can’t wait for this moment!” Savchenko said about the possibility of breaking new ground on “DWTS.” “Last season when Johnny Weir got on the show I was like, ‘Johnny, you have to be my partner,’ but they ended up not doing it. They’ve done it before in Australia with Courtney Act and in...
SEERemember when Zendaya almost won ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and Val Chmerkovskiy told her she’d win an Oscar one day?
“I can’t wait for this moment!” Savchenko said about the possibility of breaking new ground on “DWTS.” “Last season when Johnny Weir got on the show I was like, ‘Johnny, you have to be my partner,’ but they ended up not doing it. They’ve done it before in Australia with Courtney Act and in...
- 2/17/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
“Dancing With the Stars” professional dancer Gleb Savchenko would love to see the ABC dancing competition feature its first same-sex partner pairings, with other countries’ versions of the show already having brought that change to the format.
“I can’t wait for this moment! Last season when Johnny Weir got on the show I was like, ‘Johnny, you Have to be my partner, but they ended up not doing it,” the “DWTS” pro told Mr. Warburton magazine in a recent interview.
Savchenko noted that the “DWTS” franchise has included same-sex dance couples in other countries, including the U.K.’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” which is the format all the “DWTS” series are based on, and the Australian version. “They’ve done it before in Australia with Courtney Act and in the UK with Nicola Adams and they were both amazing!”
“Of course, there is a strong male/female dynamic in dance,...
“I can’t wait for this moment! Last season when Johnny Weir got on the show I was like, ‘Johnny, you Have to be my partner, but they ended up not doing it,” the “DWTS” pro told Mr. Warburton magazine in a recent interview.
Savchenko noted that the “DWTS” franchise has included same-sex dance couples in other countries, including the U.K.’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” which is the format all the “DWTS” series are based on, and the Australian version. “They’ve done it before in Australia with Courtney Act and in the UK with Nicola Adams and they were both amazing!”
“Of course, there is a strong male/female dynamic in dance,...
- 2/16/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Christmas Jumper Day is back! And whilst it may look a little different after a challenging year, Save the Children is hoping that flashing, festive knits will still be sweeping the nation on Friday 11th December, creating much-needed Christmas cheer and a chance to raise money for the world’s most vulnerable children in the UK and around the world.
Jaime Winstone supports Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day
Credit/Copyright: Tom Dymond
Expect virtual calls to be taken over by jumpers festooned with jingle bells, twinkling lights and sparkles galore; children ditching their school uniforms in favour of their daftest winter woollies and dogs rocking last year’s tinsel as the nation prepares for the annual fundraiser.
This year, a whole host of celebrities have signed up to support Christmas Jumper Day, including Jaime Winstone, Alex Scott, Thanyia Moore, Nicola Adams, Holly Willoughby, Ed Balls, Peter Andre, Kem Cetinay,...
Jaime Winstone supports Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day
Credit/Copyright: Tom Dymond
Expect virtual calls to be taken over by jumpers festooned with jingle bells, twinkling lights and sparkles galore; children ditching their school uniforms in favour of their daftest winter woollies and dogs rocking last year’s tinsel as the nation prepares for the annual fundraiser.
This year, a whole host of celebrities have signed up to support Christmas Jumper Day, including Jaime Winstone, Alex Scott, Thanyia Moore, Nicola Adams, Holly Willoughby, Ed Balls, Peter Andre, Kem Cetinay,...
- 11/16/2020
- Look to the Stars
British double Olympic gold medalist boxer Nicola Adams is set to make history by being the first contestant to be part of a female same-sex dance team on BBC’s ballroom show “Strictly Come Dancing,” the format known as “Dancing With the Stars” in many international markets. The identify of her dance partner is yet to be disclosed.
In 2019, male professional dancers Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima performed a routine while Emeli Sandé sang. This attracted 189 complaints from members of the public. “ ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is an inclusive show and is proud to have been able to facilitate the dance between Johannes and Graziano during the Professionals’ dance,” the BBC had stated then. “They are dancers first and foremost, and their sex had no bearing on their routine.”
“People might know me from work in the ring, but I’ll be every bit as passionate and dedicated on the dance-floor too,...
In 2019, male professional dancers Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima performed a routine while Emeli Sandé sang. This attracted 189 complaints from members of the public. “ ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is an inclusive show and is proud to have been able to facilitate the dance between Johannes and Graziano during the Professionals’ dance,” the BBC had stated then. “They are dancers first and foremost, and their sex had no bearing on their routine.”
“People might know me from work in the ring, but I’ll be every bit as passionate and dedicated on the dance-floor too,...
- 9/2/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Updated, 09/02 4:00Am: British pro boxer Nicola Adams, who won at Olympic gold medal at London 2012 and retired with an undefeated record in 2019, has joined the cast of the 18th season of UK dance show Strictly Come Dancing.
Adams will take part in the series’ first ever same-sex couple, a move widely praised as long-overdue on social media today.
Ranvir Singh, the UK journalist and presenter, and BBC Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo have also joined the show’s cast, making it six contestants announced so far.
Previously, 09/01 11:30Am: Long-running UK talent show Strictly Come Dancing has named the first wave of contestants for its 18th series.
Actress and presenter Caroline Quentin, former NFL player and broadcaster Jason Bell, and The Wanted singer and actor Max George have all been confirmed for the latest series, with further names to be announced.
BBC Studios produces the show, which will broadcaster this autumn on BBC One.
Adams will take part in the series’ first ever same-sex couple, a move widely praised as long-overdue on social media today.
Ranvir Singh, the UK journalist and presenter, and BBC Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo have also joined the show’s cast, making it six contestants announced so far.
Previously, 09/01 11:30Am: Long-running UK talent show Strictly Come Dancing has named the first wave of contestants for its 18th series.
Actress and presenter Caroline Quentin, former NFL player and broadcaster Jason Bell, and The Wanted singer and actor Max George have all been confirmed for the latest series, with further names to be announced.
BBC Studios produces the show, which will broadcaster this autumn on BBC One.
- 9/2/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
“Gentleman Jack” star Suranne Jones has optioned the memoir of five-time female world boxing champion Jane Couch, with a TV adaptation in the works through her fledgling production outfit TeamAkers Productions and “Les Misérables” producer Lookout Point.
Jones and writer Laurence Akers’ TeamAkers and BBC Studios-owned Lookout Point will adapt Couch’s memoir “The Final Round” for television.
Couch carved out her trailblazing career in the 1990s, when it was still illegal for women to box in the U.K. Her memoir charts her upbringing in a fishing village through to her ascent in the boxing world. At the center of the story is Couch’s legal battle with the U.K. Boxing Board of Control to recognize female boxers.
Lookout Point CEO Faith Penhale, who took the reins of the business last year, and Laura Lankester are developing the memoir for television alongside Jones and Akers.
The team...
Jones and writer Laurence Akers’ TeamAkers and BBC Studios-owned Lookout Point will adapt Couch’s memoir “The Final Round” for television.
Couch carved out her trailblazing career in the 1990s, when it was still illegal for women to box in the U.K. Her memoir charts her upbringing in a fishing village through to her ascent in the boxing world. At the center of the story is Couch’s legal battle with the U.K. Boxing Board of Control to recognize female boxers.
Lookout Point CEO Faith Penhale, who took the reins of the business last year, and Laura Lankester are developing the memoir for television alongside Jones and Akers.
The team...
- 1/13/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Surrane Jones, the star of HBO and BBC drama Gentleman Jack, is to star in and produce a drama based on the life of five-time female world boxing champion Jane Couch.
Jones, via her TeamAkers Productions banner, and Gentleman Jack producer Lookout Point, have optioned Couch’s memoir The Final Round to develop it as a series.
The book tells the story of how Couch went from a tough upbringing in the fishing town of Fleetwood to top boxing venues all over the world, at a time when it was still illegal for women to box in the UK. She instigate a legal battle against the UK Boxing Board of Control, who only 20 years ago still insisted women were too psychologically unstable to box. Refusing to be marginalised Couch teamed up with two other fearless women, her solicitor Sarah Leslie and Dinah Rose QC and won the case allowing women to box in the UK.
Jones, via her TeamAkers Productions banner, and Gentleman Jack producer Lookout Point, have optioned Couch’s memoir The Final Round to develop it as a series.
The book tells the story of how Couch went from a tough upbringing in the fishing town of Fleetwood to top boxing venues all over the world, at a time when it was still illegal for women to box in the UK. She instigate a legal battle against the UK Boxing Board of Control, who only 20 years ago still insisted women were too psychologically unstable to box. Refusing to be marginalised Couch teamed up with two other fearless women, her solicitor Sarah Leslie and Dinah Rose QC and won the case allowing women to box in the UK.
- 1/12/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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