Showbiz 5: Alison fill’s Dale’s old hole while Summer Bay sees a regular depart

Another newswrap as Joanna Gumley casts her views over recent entertainment news…

Alison has a hole to fill

Reports suggest that Alison Hammond, who started her career as a civilian on Big Brother and became famous via breaking a table, is to take on the old BBC One game show that sees various holes in walls, entitled, er Hole in the Wall. The series was previously hosted by Anton Du Beke of Strictly Come Dancing fame and before that the late Dale Winton who of course will forever be associated as the star of Supermarket Sweep in the UK.

The show saw celebrities attempt to get through the various shaped holes without falling off a platform as the wall moves ever closer towards them. Riving stuff indeed, all the more exciting via the tight silver onesies they all had to wear. The show ran for two series in the late 00s.

Alison Hammond is now apparently ready to take on the show having proved to be a popular face on shows such as This Morning, The Great British Bake Off, I Can See Your Voice, For the Love of Dogs and Smart TV. Based on a Japanese TV format, the celebrities would compete to win a grand prize of £10,000 for charity.

“Hole In The Wall got great ratings when it first came out so the Beeb have decided to bring it back. They are currently filming the pilot to see how it shapes up. They wanted to sign Alison and she jumped at the chance to do it,” a Beeb source told The Sun.

Hammond has reportedly agreed to front a pilot of the show to see how she copes with holes, celebrities and walls.

No showmance on the island of love

On Friday Love Island: All Stars finalists Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Curtis Pritchard joined Christine Lampard on Lorraine without Lorraine fresh from South Africa to discuss their time in the villa as they shut down any rumours of a ‘showmance’ and encourage people to “be kinder”.

Asked if either of them had a different approach going back into the Villa for the second time, Curtis replied: “I think my gameplan was no gameplan… I thought if I’m just myself completely, hopefully I can then open up and find someone, and I think I got lucky. I feel like we are the winners.”

The pair faced a few challenges during their time in the villa. Reflecting on the moment Danielle Sellers walked in, Ekin-Su said: “I think everything happens for a reason and I think if there was no sort of test in there, then I don’t think we would be sitting in this chair right now. I think like you said, the butterfly effect, if you change one thing, the outcome is different and I think we needed to be tested. Why not be tested in the villa? It’s where tests happen. 

“Danielle was perfect, she was a lovely girl. At the time I realised, hang on a minute, I am feeling jealous, I’m feeling almost betrayed. What the hell is going on? Because in the real world, when you’re dating someone, the thought of your man in the same bed as a woman, it’s worrying isn’t it?” 

Curtis added: “I am happy that there was a test at the start of our relationship because it made us realise a lot of things about each other, and set boundaries, and do all of this and that. I feel like it made us go through all of the emotions which actually brought us a lot closer together.” 

Opening up about their relationship with fellow contestant Elma [Pazar] and revealing whether there has been any discussions since leaving the villa, Ekin-Su said: “Do you know what? I love her, and it breaks my heart to see backlash on Elma. We should be kinder and show love. Yes, there was that thing in there but listen, it’s a show and things are heightened in there. We made up, we moved on. She’s found love, I’ve found love and I wish her the best.” 

Reflecting on his iconic heart rate challenge, Curtis joked: “As soon as they gave me that King Julian look-alike outfit again, I knew to myself ‘Oh my gosh, we’re in for a treat here aren’t we?’ And, I just thought I am going to re-do my opening that I did in 2019, that samba, that iconic move, but the best thing was the knee slide.” Ekin-Su joked: “His poor knees were bruised and cut.” 

Addressing the showmance rumours, Ekin-Su said: “Everyone is entitled to an opinion and it’s okay if some people call it a showmance, fake, real, or whatever – that’s okay! But what is important is how we feel, and that’s real… If you put me and him together it becomes a theatre performance, so I get why people may think that, but it’s fine because it’s just an opinion and it doesn’t affect me or you [Curtis].” 

Curtis added: “We are who we are and I think we both went in there with open minds and to actually find someone. Like Ekin said, “we’re theatrical, we’re over the top.” Well that’s one way to describe camp.

Lorraine weekdays from 9am on ITV1, ITVX, STV & STV Player

Come on and Dance…

Radio 1’s Danny Howard, Sarah Story and Pete Tong this week revealed the winners of Radio 1’s Dance Awards 2025 with artists such as Charli XCX, The Blessed Madonna and Confidence Man all picking up accolades for their contribution to the genre.

The annual awards celebrate the past year in Dance music, recognising its biggest moments with winners selected by a panel of Radio 1 Dance DJs and producers. Radio 1 also gave listeners a chance to have their say with four categories chosen by public vote.

Danny Howard: “The Radio 1 Dance Awards are more than just a celebration, they’re a reflection of the incredible talent, passion, and innovation driving Dance music forward. This is our chance to champion the DJs, producers and records that have shaped the sound of the past year across the Dance shows while also shining a light on the future. It’s an honour to bring this night to life alongside Pete, Sarah and the whole Radio 1 Dance family…”

Winners:  Dance Album Project Charli XCX – BRAT, Best Dance Track Move – Adam Port, Keinemusik, Stryv, Orso ft. Malachiii, Best Breakthrough Artist Confidence Man, Outstanding Contribution to Dance Music The Blessed Madonna and Essential Mix of the Year Sammy Virji.

Also, Best Record Label (public vote) Defected Records, Best UK Clubbing Event (public vote) Chase & Status at Milton Keynes National Bowl, Dance Vocalist Jazzy, Best Venue UK & Europe (public vote) Gonzo’s Two Room, Norwich, and Best Dance Festival UK & Europe (public vote) Boomtown. The Dance Impact Award was awarded to Save Our Scene UK.

Listen to the gong show now on BBC Sounds

New star for Who

Best known as MI5 agent Roddy in Slow Horses, Christopher Chung is joining the Whoniverse, meeting the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) for a thrilling adventure in the upcoming latest episodes of Doctor Who, which will air this year.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner: “I’m a huge fan of Slow Horses, and I was so excited to get Chris involved. He brings all of his strength and style and talent to one of the darkest, toughest episodes we’ve ever made. As for whether Cassio is an ally or an enemy of the Doctor, you’ll have to wait and see, but I can promise, it’s one hell of a meeting!”

Chung is an Australian actor making waves in the world of TV, film and theatre, most recently seen as the tech-savvy M15 agent Roddy Ho in spy thriller Slow Horses, where he’s been appearing alongside Gary Oldman since 2022. He has also recently starred as Fred in Steve McQueen’s Blitz. His West End credits include Kurt Kelly in Heathers: The Musical.

Christopher Chung: “I’m absolutely thrilled to step into the Whoniverse as Cassio for Season 2! This show is legendary, and getting to be part of this new era feels surreal. Working with Russell and Ncuti has been a dream! This episode is huge – packed with everything Who fans love: heart, adventure, and a touch of madness. I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store – it’s going to be iconic. Get ready!”

Goodbye to the bay

In the week we heard Neighbours has been axed for a third time, sad news also came from it’s ‘Aussie rival’ Home and Away with the news one of its longest serving performers is bidding farewell to the five-episodes-a-week saga.

Posting an announcement on social media 72-year-old Lynne McGranger – Irene Roberts in the show – says it’s a “bittersweet” moment as she reveals she’s decided to say goodbye to Irene. Originally played by Jacqy Phillips from October 1991 to May 1992 the character with bleach blonde hair was initially a troubled mother ‘from hell’. After Phillips’ departure, Lynne took over the role in January 1993 and over time the character mellowed going from someone viewers loved to hate to a character they loved to love. Over the years the character has battled both the booze and cancer.

“After almost 33 years in my dream role and working everyday with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it’s bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life. I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers – whose doors are always open – for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years’ she continued.

“And I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay. Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support.” – Lynne McGranger

Australian broadcaster – and production company – Seven said that Lynne would be embarking on an Australian theatre tour of The Grandparents Club, from July to October this year.

The views expressed are of Joanna Gumley and not ATV Today. Penelope Teeth, Judi Dentures and Joanna Gumley are ATV’s exclusive showbiz drag queens with bite.