Showbiz Newswrap
Schofield ‘nothing to say sorry for’
In the penultimate edition of the series, Penelope Teeth casts her views over some of the latest showbiz news…
TRUE COLOURS COME SHINING THROUGH
Phillip Schofield has made a huge mistake this week by saying he has ‘nothing to apologise for’ over ‘queue gate’. The best way to end this would have been to say ‘We’re sorry for any offence caused. While we used legitimate press access to Westminster Hall, we understand that some people feel that This Morning isn’t a programme that should be entitled to such privilege and we have taken this view on board.’
Instead the cosy, ‘we’re your friend’ world of This Morning has now been exposed as nothing of the sort; its now a ‘them and us’ affair and I don’t think a lot of viewers will forgive or forget. I’d be surprised if Phillip and Holly are still with the show this time next year because if there are any more false steps, the viewers will no longer be forgiving. Basically putting two-fingers up to any viewers who criticise you Phil, is not a wise move. But I fear at ITV Daytime egos are fanned rather than doses of reality being administered.
“Why would I apologise? You’ve already seen that 700 other journalists did exactly the same thing.” – Phillip speaking to GB News.
SAD NEWS IN THE SHADE
A Place In The Sun host Jonnie Irwin has spoken about being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The 48-year-old, who presents the Channel 4 relocation series as well as the BBC’s Escape To The Country, has spoken about his illness with Hello! magazine. In the article he confirms the sad news that his lung cancer had spread to his brain.
“I don’t know how long I have left,” he said, adding he plans to, “make the most of every day”.
AND FINALLY
Senior RTÉ newscaster Eileen Dunne has retired after more than 40 years on air. The Nine O’Clock News presenter signed off from her final broadcast by saying: “It’s been an honour and a privilege … see you on the other side.”
RTÉ News noted that ‘she thanked her family and colleagues who “sustained” her adding, “and to you the viewers, thank you for your support, especially during those turbulent Covid years”.’
RIP
Sue Baker, best known as one of the hosts of Top Gear in the 1980s, has died at the age of 75. The BBC announced that the presenter and journalist died on Monday. She had been living with motor neurone disease (MND.
Baker joined Top Gear in 1980, three years after its launch, and appeared in more than 100 episodes. She left in 1991, going on to set up the Motor Racing News Service based at the Brands Hatch race track. She was also the Observer’s motoring editor, the Beeb noted.
BABY JOYS
Coronation Street regular Julia Goulding, has welcomed her second child with husband Ben Silver. Julia gave birth to a baby girl, who they’ve named Emmeline Beanie Silver. While Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick has announced the safe arrival of her second child.
TWO RUDE
Sara Cox was forced to apologise to Radio 2 listeners after a caller branded Matt Hancock ‘a c**t’ live on air. First time the Beeb has aired something with fact for a long time though surely?
NEW FOR WHO
Millie Gibson joins the cast of Doctor Who as a companion to the Fifteenth Doctor. Starring alongside Ncuti Gatwa, Millie will make her debut over the festive season in 2023 when the latest doctor takes control of the TARDIS.
Millie Gibson has landed the role of Ruby Sunday, the Doctor’s new companion. Starring alongside Ncuti Gatwa, Millie will make her debut over the festive season in 2023 when the Fifteenth Doctor takes control of the TARDIS. Recently, it was announced that the BBC and Disney Branded Television have joined forces to make Disney+ the new global home, outside of the UK and Ireland, for future seasons of Doctor Who.
Best known for her role as Coronation Street’s Kelly Neelan, 18 year old Millie was the recipient of the Best Young Performer Award at The British Soap Awards earlier this year. Millie has also appeared in dramas Butterfly (ITV) and Love, Lies and Records (BBC).
Millie Gibson:
“Whilst still being in total disbelief, I am beyond honoured to be cast as the Doctor’s companion. It is a gift of a role, and a dream come true, and I will do everything to try and fill the boots the fellow companions have travelled in before me. And what better way to do that than being by the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa’s side, I just can’t wait to get started.”
