GOGGLEBOX SANDI WANTS A PART IN SCOTTISH SHOW GLOW

GOGGLEBOX favourite Sandi Bogle says she’d love a part in the new series of Scots reality show Glow after meeting main star Brian Matthews last year.
The Big Brother housemate who quit Gogglebox last year spoke about joining the George Shore style show as she unveiled her hilarious video for White Christmas with sidekick Sandra Bogle and teen singer Jack Rose.
As her telly pal Sandra Martin revealed she was entering the Big Brother house, Londoner Sandi claimed she had her eyes set on returning to Scotland.
The two gals had a memorable night last March when they were entertained by Naked Butlers in Glasgow’s Merchant City.
The strippers had been organised by Brian Matthews who subsequently became a cast member of Glow.
Speaking of her outrageous visit to Glasgow, Sandi said: “I don’t have any Scottish in me but I should have, shouldn’t I. I’m always up there. I need to come back again and see everyone. I miss it there. I remember Brian from last year who organised the strippers - and his big teeth. I heard he’s part of a reality show. Why not be a part of that? Oh my days. We’d have to keep down the sex and the drugs babe but I do a bit of rock n roll. Just put me standing on a stage in the middle of all the action going on around me and I’ll be very happy with that.”
Sandi said: “It’s been a whirlwind of amazing fantastic things this year. I am aiming for the big things in life like having my own chat show, and singing more. Me and Sandra do whatever makes us happy and makes it fun.”
Sandi plans a reggae track with Sandra next year.
She said: “We enjoyed making our Christmas song with Jack and Sandra does like her reggae and Bob Marley so a reggae track is next.”
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

CALVIN HARRIS IS A REAL BEDROOM DJ

SCOTS DJ Calvin Harris has shown off what might be the ultimate in designer bedroom wear this season.
The Dumfries hitmaker who now lives in LA was so chuffed with his new Gucci slippers that he decided to show them off to his fans on Instagram.
In what could be the ultimate in Scots chic, Gucci has given a special twist to its traditional loafer.
The highly sought after Princetown slipper comes with the famous double G emblem, a fur lining that makes them perfect for the colder weather, and the traditional plaid design that is sure to appeal to any tartan lover.
They can be worn indoors or outdoors - if you don’t have to traipse through snow and ice.
The only thing is, they don’t come cheap at a whopping £675 per pair.

GLOW’S BRIAN MATTHEWS IN DOGHOUSE AGAIN AT CHRISTMAS

GLOW’S Brian Matthews was left in the doghouse again after buying his on off girlfriend Victoria Obahor a new pup for Christmas.
The reality star who was spotted at the famous Glasgow Barras over the festive season was keen to get Victoria something she really wanted from Santa.
Victoria had asked for a cute four legged friend and Brian decided to wind her up with a model of one instead.
Friends of Brian revealed: “Victoria has been nipping Brian’s ear about getting a cute puppy but he wasn’t about to commit to a dog - particularly when he and Victoria have such a volatile relationship.”
Brian apparently had called Victoria up to tell her he had got her what she wanted but when she saw the actual type of dog he bought her she was less than enamoured.
Brian briefly posted the moment on Snapchat and said: “Well I just bought Victoria a dog forChtistmas. She won’t be scared of this one. It’s a lovely dog.”
He later posted: “She’s been asking me for a dog for ages. She’s not happy with this one.”
The two had apparently fallen out again since his disappointing gift but Brian said last night: “Victoria got a nice big present from Santa’s sack so she wasn’t too disappointed for long.”
Victoria said: “I’m not very happy actually and Brian still has a lot of making up to do but it is the season of goodwill so I’ll try my best to forgive him. Brian’s worse than a dirty dog at the best of times anyway and needs more attention so maybe one mutt is enough for now. Saying that, there’s always Valentines.”
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com





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A TALL ORDER AT THE ARMADILLO PANTO BUT THE DOLLS & GARY TANK PULL IT OFF.

PIC CREDIT: Peter Sandground
Putting on a panto that pleases both adults and children can be a tall order, particularly where Beanstalks are concerned, but the great folks at the SEC Armadillo have managed to do just that with help from Scotland’s hottest talents.
Greg McHugh aka Gary Tank Commander already comes with a calibre of wit and cheese that makes him top of the military and civil ranks, but for many, The Dolls are a new experience.
Having championed them since the early stages of their career, theshowbizlion.com thinks it brilliant to see Gayle Telfer Stevens and Louise McCarthy tread the boards of this years Jack in the Beanstalk, giving panto staples like the ugly sisters and dames a real run for their money.

Offering up seaside postcard style humour which is cleaner than their normal stage show (no expletives here) the impressive dolly duo still managed to get us laughing into our ice cream tubs with their friendly patter.
Gar-eh, a household telly face, showed off his brilliant improvisation skills, impressive singing voice, and a lovely warming side to him that only a live production can highlight.
There are political gags about Sturgeon, Davidson et al, as well as innuendos galore that continue on from where the Krankies left us.
And we reckon, that as the production runs, there will be even more laughs and corpsing between the different characters that come from on the night mistakes.
The 3-D effects and supporting artists finish off this production making it a must see for anyone wanting to get into the real Christmas spirit.

BANANARAMA GET READY FOR EDINBURGH IN 2018

BANANARAMA plan to be Queens of Edinburgh Castle as they take to the stage in Scotland next year.                                     

Friday July 20 will see the trio of Sara, Keren and Siobhan play the capital for the very first time of their careers.

The eighties hit making gals have 30 chart hits and combined sales of over 40 million, making them  the most successful female group of all time in the Guinness Book of Records. 

Their string of classics include Robert de Niro’s Waiting, Cruel Summer, Venus, Shy Boy and Love In the First Degree.

 Mark Mackie, director of Castle Concerts said: “We are delighted to have Bananarama play Edinburgh Castle this summer. Without doubt, they are one of the greatest girl groups and the atmosphere on the night will be truly electrifying.”

 Earlier this year, the girl group that defined the 80s announced they were back to their original, record-breaking line up for a tour of the UK. The news of their reunion was met with universal approval from the media and public. The original tour dates sold out instantly and further dates were added to extend the winter tour.

 Keren said: “We’ve had the best time touring this year and can’t wait to take our show back out on the road again in 2018.” 

Sara added: “Scottish audiences are always fantastic. As the original line up, we’re really excited to play Edinburgh for the first time ever!” 

And Siobhan said: “We perform all our hits and we’re really looking forward to taking our live show outdoors. I’m sure the atmosphere is going to be electric at Edinburgh Castle.” 

 Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager at Edinburgh Castle said: “Bananarama are real pop legends. We’re really looking forward to welcoming them here at the Castle for what’s sure to be a special evening.”

 Since their unforgettable last performance as a trio at The Brits in 1988, Keren and Sara have continued as Bananarama, releasing records and touring to global audiences. Siobhan went on to have hit singles and albums around the world as part of Shakespeare’s Sister before becoming a solo artist.

Tickets for the gig go on sale on Friday December 15 at 9am

£47.50 and £42.50 + booking fee 

 This concert is all seated

Online: www.ticketmaster.com www.seetickets.com

 By phone: Ticketmaster 0844 844 0444

 In person:

Tickets Scotland Edinburgh, 127 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DT

Tickets Scotland Glasgow, 237 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL

The Hub Tickets, 348-350 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE

Grouchos Dundee, 132 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4ED

 Tickets are NOT available from Edinburgh Castle Box Office

EMELI SANDE SINGS PREVIOUSLY UNHEARD SONG IN GLASGOW

EMELI Sande has revealed she wrote her first ever song when she was just eight years old - and she let Theshowbizlion.com exclusively hear it.

The Scots singer won the Songwriter of the Year award at the Scottish Music Awards and even attempted to sing it - before deciding she might need to revise it. 

As she tries to sing the song called Yesterday Not Tomorrow in our exclusive video, Emeli from Aberdeen said: “I wrote my first song when I was eight and eight year old Emeli would be over the moon tonight. I can’t remember it fully - only a bit. I think I need to revise it. 

She added: “I remember my first EP launch at Oran Mor and for people to recognise my music was mindblowing so it’s great to receive this tonight. My eight year old self would love this. 

The singer who was keen to get to know other singers including Nina Nesbitt at the bash in Glasgow’s Fruitmarket also revealed she is in the process of recording a Whitney Houston/ Mariah Carey style album. 

She said: “I started working on my third album and hoping to get it out soon. It’s very vocal and I’m excited for it next year. 

Whitney Houston l and Maria inspired me as a child so it’s along those lines.”

Emeli Sande who was sporting a new brunette hairdo instead of her blonde hair said: “I feel like I just wanted to get back to my natural hair. I bleached and straightened it a lot and I felt it was just damaging my hair. I wanted to look like myself and have my natural curl. I feel really good and really nice and being myself.”

After winning her gong Emeli said: “To win an award like this is a big deal one it’s scottish and two for songwriting and great to be acknowledged for it. My parents are here tonight and we are all going to be celebrating and celebrating the year as well.

HOT WATERBOYS CHAT ADDICTION ON VISIT TO GLAGOW FOR MUSIC AWARDS

WHOLE Of The Moon hitmakers The Waterboys should change their name to the hot water boys after revealing that they’ve swapped sex drugs and rock and roll for the humble teabag.

In one of the whackiest interviews yet , Grammy nominated keyboard player Brother Paul Brown who picked up a Scottish Music Award last night raved about his tea habit and how he now brings up to thirty different types of tea with him to different gigs.
For his overnight trip to Scotland he revealed he brought nine varieties of tea as well as six cups which he insisted on drinking out of during the ceremony.
Brother Paul, who flew in from Nashville, and spent part of his night looking for a kettle backstage said: “I’m not even sure what day it is but I’m ok with that. I’ve got my tea. It’s a tea from Tokyo and I brought another tea that the love of my life gave me and that’s for right after the Awards performance. It’s from the Gotland islands.
“Smell it - You could roll it. I bring all the teas I’ve collected from all around the world.”
Brother Paul who rates Glasgow’s own Willow Tea Room tea amongst the finest, added: “If I even do a recording session before I start I bring all my teas in. I have over thirty different teas and for this trip I brought nine. I’ve got a tea clip and it just fits over the bag. It’s so much cleaner than the filter.
The eccentric musician who bid £600 for wedding cake vouchers from Special Days Cakes at the glitzy event in the city’s Fruitmarket added: “This cup goes all over the world with me and this is a Klimt, a Gustav Klimt. I have six cups that travel with me here and it’s the one thing that keeps me settled on the road.”

PUSSYCAT DOLL NICOLE MAKES SURPRISE X FACTOR APPEARANCE AT JAMES ARTHUR GIG IN GLASGOW

NICOLE Scherzinger made a surprise appearance at James Arthur’s gig tonight in Glasgow’s SSE Hydro.
 The glam X Factor judge introduced contestant Kevin Davy White from the show as a surprise guest on stage and the whole moment was recorded for X factor.
The crowd couldn’t believe it as they got some extra celebrities popping up at the gig.
Nicole told fans: “I have a very special guest I want to bring out here tonight, a very dear friend of mine and he is in the X Factor final this weekend.
“This is the biggest audience he’s ever performed did in his whole life so I need everybody to please turn their lights on to show some love, all the love that Glasgow has to give, to show how beautiful Glasgow is. He is one of the best most beautiful souls I’ve ever met and an amazing musician. Please vote for him, please support him and give him some love.

Kevin then performed a cover of Beatles song Come Together.
James Arthur meantime wowed the crowd at his arran gig with hits including Impossible and Say You Won’t Let Go as well as a beautiful cover of George Michael’s Careless Whisper.

From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

STEREOPHONICS, JAMES BAY, THE SCRIPT AND JESSIE J SET FOR GLASGOW’S TRNSMT

WELSH heroes and one of Great Britain’s best live bands Stereophonics will take to the TRNSMT stage for the first time next summer on the opening day of the festival.
With ten studio albums under the belt, six of which were UK number ones, there will be no shortage of singalongs on display during the Stereophonics’ set at TRNSMT 2018.
 Kelly Jones said: "TRNSMT line-up looks like a great weekend for all! Happy to be headlining the Friday and getting another chance to play in front of the beautiful always up for it Scottish crowds!"
 TRNSMT will once again programme an immense summer of music in Scotland, returning to Glasgow Green over two weekends on 29th June – 1st July plus 6th and 8th July 2018. These five shows are set to bring music fans the ultimate festival experience, with world-class stars descending to the TRNSMT stage.
Irish trio The Script join TRNSMT’s opening day line-up, set to bring a dose of acclaimed pop rock to Glasgow Green. Releasing their fifth album Freedom Child in September 2017, The Script will perform hits such as ‘Rain’, ‘Hall of Fame’ and ‘For the First Time’ for their Scottish fans.
 Joining Stereophonics and The Script on 29th June 2018 is James Bay. From the moment that he was announced as winner of the BRITS Critics’ Choice Award in 2015, to 12 months later when he was nominated for 4 prestigious awards in the 2016 BRITS ceremony, James Bay’s journey has been exciting for the masses to follow. His debut album, Chaos and The Calm, entered the UK charts at No.1 in March 2015 and stayed in the top 20 for a staggering 40 weeks, reaching platinum status in the UK.
 Completing the latest announcement is singer-songwriter Jessie J who will bring her hip-hop and R&B vibes to Glasgow in June, also joining the bill on Friday 29th June 2018. Jessie J’s debut album in 2011 spawned massive singles such as ‘Do It Like a Dude’ and ‘Price Tag’, which topped the charts in over 19 countries. Multi-platinum collaboration ‘Bang Bang’ saw Jessie join forces with fellow queens of pop Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande and showcased Jessie’s powerful mix of soulful vocals with hip-hop beats. With the announcement of her fourth album R.O.S.E and release of her single ‘Queen’ in recent weeks, Jessie J ‘s powerhouse act is well and truly back and we can’t wait to feel her powerful stage presence at TRNSMT 2018.
 Last week, TRNSMT announced Liam Gallagher will play his first ever outdoor Scottish gig on Saturday 30th June 2018, joined by fellow British rock Courteeners, Wolf Alice and J Hus. In a line-up that celebrates the cream of the British crop right now, the acts are set to bring an iconic electric atmosphere to Glasgow Green next summer.
 An era-defining voice and the frontman of his generation, Liam Gallagher has owned 2017 with his solo return, Courteeners have been dubbed one of the best live British bands of the moment by Clash Music recently and, fresh from two sell-out Barrowland shows, Wolf Alice are quite simply one of the most epic and energetic British bands of our time. Also revealed by festival organisers last week was hot English grime artist, four-time MOBO nominated singer and breakthrough star of today’s rap scene J Hus, who also joins these home grown British artists on the opening TRNSMT 2018 weekend.
 Today marks the second host of announcements from TRNSMT organisers, offering music fans a taste of what’s to come at five TRNSMT events next summer.
 A city already renowned for its captive music audiences, TRNSMT 2017 showed artists from around the world that there’s nothing better than a Scottish crowd and 2018 promises to deliver an even bigger transmission.
 Big performances from headliners Radiohead, Kasabian and Biffy Clyro created an epic inaugural event for TRNSMT in 2017, which also saw stand-out sets from the likes of Belle & Sebastian, Stormzy and The 1975.
 Shortlisted for three UK Festival awards including ‘Best Major’ and ‘Best New’, TRNSMT was heralded by fans and critics in 2017 for its incredible audience, atmosphere and perfect mix of international and local talent.
 Geoff Ellis, Head of DF Concerts said: “Geoff Ellis, Head of DF Concerts said: “Today’s announcement of headliners Stereophonics plus The Script, James Bay and Jessie J brings yet another brilliant taster of TRNSMT 2018. We were delighted to bring the news of Liam Gallagher’s headline show to the masses earlier last week and TRNSMT’s line-up is shaping up to be a brilliant celebration of world-class bands and local talent, over two weekends, for the first-ever time in Glasgow.
 TRNSMT will once again programme an immense summer of music in Scotland, returning to Glasgow Green over two weekends on 29th June – 1st July plus 6th and 8th July 2018. These five shows are set to bring music fans the ultimate festival experience, with world-class stars descending to the TRNSMT stage.

T3: SON OF BEGBIE SAYS TRAINSPOTTING SCOTS SCREENWRITER

TRAINSPOTTING screenwriter John Hodge says he and the team behind the latest T2 movie fancy making a sequel about the kids of the main characters.

John who just this week picked up a Scottish BAFTA award for best feature, and director fiction as well as Ewen Bremners award for Best actor said:

“There has got to be some progress. We thought there could be a sequel with the offspring, young Begbie, young Spud, Simon’s son that he’s never seen, all getting back together. We’d call it something like Son of Begbie.”

John, who also wrote Shallow Grave, said it would be a challenge and pretty stressful to go back to the characters but one that could bring lots of fun adding: “It was very stressful working the story out in a way that sort of feels true to the character so that it’s not just more of the same. It was lovely getting back into the characters.

Once you’re back inside Begbie’s head he does all the writing for you. I was watching the scene where he is interviewed by the parol officer and the lawyer and I remember looking at it and thinking ‘I don’t even remember that.’

The story was difficult but the scenes were dead easy. Then you think, what would it be like if Begbie has a son and you think ‘That would be fun’.”

In T2, psychopath Begbie’s son is played by seventeen year old Hamilton actor Scot Greenan who said it was a dream come true to work with Danny Boyle and the crew.

Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh suggested earlier this year that the saga might not be over yet, saying: “I think there’s probably room for one more kind of Trainspotting -themed film. You never know what’s going to happen with these things.”

John currently says he’s working on several TV and Film projects and throwing mud at a wall to see what sticks.

He said: “I’m trying to write a script for television and one that would be filmed in Scotland but I’m not sure what’s happening with that now. It’s stalled a bit. I wrote a play that we did in London about five years ago, a historical one that we wrote about Stalin and I was going to talk to Armando Iannucci who has just released a film about Stalin about that. I am also rewriting a science fiction film. Anything that seems like a good story.

Political stuff is thrilling and interesting and you just try and follow your interest. You throw all of the scripts out there and most of them never see the light of day.”

From Scotland with  love - theshowbizlion.com

INVERNESS DOCTOR WHO ACTOR KAREN GILLAN’S NEW JUMANJI LOOK IS NO YOKE

IT looks like Karen Gillan’s egg and avocado diet has paid off in these latest pictures of her scantily clad character in Jumanji. 

Inverness born redhead Karen plays fictional character Ruby Roundhouse in the film based on the computer game of the same name. 

And Karen, 29, who stars as one of the ‘kids’ sucked into the vintage game to become an adult avatar, had to sick to a strict exercise and nutrition regime to fit into the children’s clothes she had to wear for the character. 

When she was on set in November 2016, The five foot ten model and actress shared pictures with her fans of her diet - including three eggs and one avocado which made up a meal. 

She joked at the time: “You know you need to get a life when...”

Karen who even pretended to work out with an avocado in one video also revealed that personal trainer and world class fitness athlete Scott Pearlman got her into tip top shape for the role. 

She said: “Thanks so much to my personal trainer Scott Pearlman who whipped me into shape for Jumanji! Sad to leave our Hawaii routine and continue my mission to swol without him!”

Swol is slang for someone or something that is very muscular in nature. 

Karen who just reunited with the movie stars including Jack Black, Nick Jonas, Kevin Hart and The Rock for some film promo before the official release on December 20 will celebrate her 30th birthday on November 28.

She may not have time to return home to Inverness to celebrate after signing up to do some new Avengers movies as Nebula as well as getting ready to release her own directed film The Party’s Just Beginning. 

Movie goers can expect a few surprises in Jumanji including it seems a potential romance between Karen and co star The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson. 

After Karen said she couldn’t wait for the release on Instagram Dwayne hinted to her in a personal reply: “You killed it. Our ‘kiss’ is everything.”

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Scottish Mail on Sunday 

From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

STEPS GO BACK IN TIME TO LIGHT UP THE SSE HYDRO IN GLASGOW

MANY of their original fans might be grown up mummies and daddies now but the red devil horn dilly boppers flashed away with renewed energy as  Steps took everyone back in time. 

A new age of innocence was born with a nostalgia  filled set of hits from Sunmer Of Love, and Deeper Shade of Blue, to Chain Reaction. 

New songs like Happy and Dancing With A Broken Heart as well as the brilliant Story Of A Heart from the fab new album Tears On The Dancefloor got the crowd dancing but it was the oldies that proved the best. 

Numbers like Stomp with incredible disco ball space men style outfits and Better Best Forgotten and Last Thing On My mind with its cavalcade of primary and pastel colours projected on stage took us back to the nineties.

Claire Richards, H, Lisa Scott Lee, Faye Tozer, and Lee Latchford Evans admitted the SSE Hydro hadn’t even been thought of never mind built  twenty years ago when they first began, but they welcomed new fans in the audience. 

Singing a medley of hits like 5,6,7,8 and Better The Devil You Know the fab five were in their element as they joked about how sexy they all felt.

Tracks like The Way You Make Me Feel started off as slow acoustic tracks before gathering pace and the beautiful ballad Heartbeat, written about unrequited love got hands and lights waving in the air. 

We bopped manically to club hit Love You More and by the time Tragedy arrived Steps had  turned the SSE Hydro into a throbbing dance floor. We just needed a giant handbag to dance around. 

 

A SPARKLING NIGHT WITH OUTLANDER, STRICTLY, LOVE ISLAND AND MORE AT SCOTTISH BAFTAS

IT was a real night of sparklers as a host of stars turned out for the BAFTA Scotland Awards at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu Hotel - and T2 made record breaking history by winning three awards.

Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe joined Doctor Who’s Peter Capaldi, Strictly’s Joe McFadden and Freya Mavor on the red carpet. 

Devoted dad and Olympic champ Sir Chris Hoy arrived with his wife Sarah, three year old son Callum and one and a half month old daughter Chloe. 

He said it was the first time the family had been on a night out since Chloe was born in September. 

Looking proud as punch, Chris who awarded Glasgow 1967: The Lisbon Lions for Single Documentary said: “It’s a real pleasure to be here tonight. The wee ones doing well. Callum and his sister Chloe are here tonight and they are here up in the room with the grandparents. It’s our first night out since Chloe was born so it should be nice. There is a real temptation to stay at home and hunker down with family or come to these things without my wife so it’s nice that everyone is here.”

Edith Bowman, Laura Fraser and Armando Iannucci who received the Outstanding Cotnribution for Film and Television Award also graced the stage making a point of sporting 50/50 rings as a silent protest for equality within the industry. 

The rings were provided by actress Deirdre Mullins who has sent them out to various stars before the bash. 

Edith said in her introductory speech: “BAFTA joined others in calling and end to this behaviour as utterly unacceptable.”

James Cosmo who has been filming the Outlaw King with Hollywood star Chris Pike was thrilled to hang out with his pal Peter Capaldi. 

He said: “Peter has joined me for the evening.”

Speaking of his new movie which comes twenty years on from Braveheart he said: “I’m having a wonderful time on it. I have high hopes for it. It’s great Scottish movie. It’s a very different take from Braveheart but I think it will have an equal impact. I play Robert The Bruce’s Dad who is quite a political animal and David Mackenzie is an extraordinary director. It’s stylistically very different and I do think it will have the impact of Braveheart. These movies are always romanticised but I think it is more accurate of that time. I’ve ridden horses all through my career and I don’t know who I felt most sorry for - myself or the horse. I was an awful lot lighter when I was doing Braveheart and I wasn’t wearing chain mail but he’s a good old horse. Having just turned seventy it’s great that I can still get on a horse.”

He said of Chris Pines accent: “It’s a lot better than my Californian accent anyway

James also said of Trainspotting T2: “It was such a huge ask and for Danny to create a sequel for such a huge piece of work and such a seminal piece of work and he was really cruising for the critics to destroy him as they sometimes do. I think he pulled it off in spades and did a wonderful job and I have so much admiration for him.

James also praised Netflix for helping young directors and writers.

Referring to the Harvey Weinstein debacle he said: “It’s become a lot more open and egalitarian and it’s great to have that power structure broken up. Let’s have more independent filmmakers getting in there.” 

A chilled Peter Capaldi claimed he was taking it easy by doing ‘nothing’ since he filmed the last episode of Doctor Who.

He laughed: “It’s very relaxing when you don’t have to find out if you’ve won or not. I’m just hanging out. The first thing I did was nothing. I’m just taking it easy.”

Asked if there was any prospect of Malcolm Tucker making a return he added: “I don’t know you’d have to ask Armando.”

I don’t have anything to report. I’m just really enjoying myself not doing anything. I’m very happy not to have to get up for anything.”

Ewan Macgregor and his costars May have been absent due to filming commitments but the night was anything but a damp squib - and theshowbizlion.com went wild at the after party. 

SCOTS X FACTOR TALENTS THE CUTKELVINS SAY THEIR FATHER IS ON STAGE WITH THEM

SCOTS X Factor stars the Cutkelvins have opened up about the secret heartache behind their success on X Factor.
The talented trio from Lanark admit they are still devastated at losing their beloved Dad Derek seven years ago this December when he died unexpectedly at home.
And the performers who have received support from their mum Lynda throughout the show, carry around a treasured piece of him as they perform during the weekly shows on X Factor.
As Shereen, 20, and her brothers Jay, 24, and Kyle, 22, prepare for another round of live shows this weekend on X Factor they have exclusively told the Scottish Sun of their biggest inspiration from the man they were proud to call their father.

Shereen said: “Dad was there on stage up with us at the weekend - he always is.”
“When we were younger he would always just be listening to our rehearsals and how our harmonies worked and showed us how to breathe properly. He trained me when I was younger and he taught us a lot. That is where our inspiration came from.”
Derek Cutkelvin, then 53,  whose stage name was also Lewis J Jackson was a seasoned performer who sang regularly with his own brothers and sisters in the seventies band Django.
He also performed in a Drifters tribute band The Driftars and occasionally appeared on TV.
Kyle said: “Dad did a six week tour with Ben E King and he was in his group at the time called Django. He was with his brothers and sisters and there were four in the group. It’s like history repeating. He did some TV too but the internet wasn’t as big then as it is now so it was harder. It’s a bit easier now to get exposure.”
Speaking of his father’s tragic death from a cardiac arrest in December 2011, Kyle continued: “He passed away suddenly seven years ago. He didn’t have an illness or anything. He had a heart attack. It was so unexpected. I was sixteen, Shereen was 14 and Jay was eighteen. We are still dealing with it now, everyday.”
Shereen who adored her daddy and once paid tribute to him in a touching YouTube video singing Dance with My Father Again, added: “We are a very close family and we’ve always got each other. Mum is like the glue that holds us all together. We’ve always had that very strong connection and that continues even after dad has passed.”
The band try to start off their days by spending time thinking about their daddy. Jay said: “He is still very much our inspiration now. We go back and look at his videos and watch the way he did it.”
Shereen said: ”Even just this morning we were listening to some of his own original songs and it set off our day right.”
Kyle added: ”If we do well we will perform his songs at some point, maybe not on the show but somewhere.”
The close family carry their father in their hearts but they also admit he brings them luck through some of his old possessions which they’ve been wearing onstage.
Shereen who used to perform in girl group Neon Jungle alongside artists like Taylor Swift in the US said: “I’ve got my dads rosary beads that were given to him by a nun. I keep them on me.”
Jay added: “I wear his bracelet every day and I have not taken it off since. It’s one of my dads that I wear on stage.”
And Kyle said: “I have a watch from my dad that I will wear as well. I was scared to bring it in case I lost it but I will wear it if we reach the final.”
The family can’t wait to catch up with Simon Cowell again this weekend and perform their latest track.
They are thrilled that Scotland is behind them and are keen to get to the final stages of the competition.
Jay added: “Mum is dead proud of us all and always keeps us grounded to make sure we don’t get too big for our boots.”
Excerpts of this article have since appeared exclusively in the Scottish Sun.
From Scotland With Love -  Theshowbizlion.com

SCOTS ODEON CINEMA GOES LUXE WITH LATEST GADGETS

WATCHING a film at home might seem like the ultimate in comfort but ODEON Cinemas have come up with something even better to rival your cosy couch. 

And Scottish film fans are amongst the very first to try the new ODEON Luxe venues with not one bit there opening at a complex near you in the next few weeks. 

Film fans in  in Edinburgh can now experience the ultimate in cinema luxury – as ODEON Luxe Edinburgh West has opened its doors today  following a glittering gala evening last night attended by hundreds of local dignitaries, media and business owners.

Theshowbizlion.com was there to check it out and relax in the very latest of reclining chairs whilst enjoying some of the incredible snacks in offer. 

The cinema, formerly known as ODEON Wester Hailes, is a brand-new ODEON Luxe cinema – making it only the second ODEON Luxe cinema and home to the largest fully-reclining iSense screen in Europe.

There is already one in East Kilbride and Glasgow city centre is next on the list.

Attendees at the event enjoyed a drinks reception in the cinema’s upgraded foyer, sampling some of the cinema’s new food & drink offerings – before being invited into the iSense screen to experience the cutting-edge technology whilst watching Murder on the Orient Express.

 Theshowbizlion.com was joined by X Factor singer Caitlyn Vanbeck and members of local boy band Monroe as well as talents from girl boy group GSide and upcoming Singer Saskia Eng.  

Edinburgh City Council Convener for Culture and Sport, Donald Wilson officially cut the ribbon to open the site alongside Carol Welch, Managing Director of ODEON UK & Ireland, and Isla Stilley, General Manager of ODEON Luxe Edinburgh West – who began her career with ODEON as a Cinema Host at the very same site.

 ODEON Luxe Edinburgh West joins ODEON Luxe East Kilbride, which launched in October, as part of the ODEON Luxe family of fully-reclining cinemas – with the two luxurious venues soon to be followed this month by ODEON Glasgow Quay and ODEON Leeds Bradford.

 As the newest ODEON Luxe cinema, ODEON Luxe Edinburgh West features 800 handmade reclining seats across eight upgraded screens, with triple the legroom and increased personal space for guests, as well as individual, retractable tray tables and a host of new food and drink options to ensure the ultimate cinema experience.

 The cinema’s technology has also been overhauled, including the installation of a cutting-edge 178-seat iSense screen - the largest fully-reclining iSense in Europe - delivering a truly immersive, ultra-high-definition cinema experience, with 4K projection and Dolby ATMOS sound.

 Film fans can enjoy breathtaking sound delivered by 160 brand new speakers across all auditoriums, with all standard screens now packing Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound and improved picture quality through enlarged screens throughout the cinema.

 A new in-screen lighting system will also help minimise distractions between guests, and any guests who are hard of hearing can also take advantage of a new Dolby Fidelio Audio Description system and Hearing-Impaired loops across all screens.

 The opening of the cinema comes ahead of an exciting release schedule of new films, including the release of the highly anticipated remake of Murder on The Orient Express (3rd November), and before upcoming family film, Paddington 2 (10th November) and superhero epic Justice League (17th November).

 Guests of the cinema can choose from an extensive new range of food options, including freshly-popped popcorn, hot dogs and nachos, as well as drink options including a Coca Cola Freestyle with over 100 different flavour combinations to enjoy. It really is something else. 

ODEON Luxe Edinburgh West also features an all-new Oscar’s Bar, which offers guests freshly-cooked pizza and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

 In addition to the range of retail options, guests can also enjoy a range of promotions and discounted screenings including ODEON Kids, ODEON Newbies, ODEON Silver Cinema & ODEON Screen Unseen – as well as being able to take advantage of ODEON’s Limitless cards and ODEON Première Club loyalty scheme.

 For more information on available offers and to book tickets for upcoming screenings, guests can visit the ODEON website: http://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/edinburgh_west/140/  

Isla Stilley, General Manager at ODEON Luxe Edinburgh West said: “It’s incredibly exciting to open our doors and welcome local film fans into our luxurious new cinema. The experience we can now offer guests, with handmade recliners and a range of food & drink options, means our cinema is going to be at the forefront of entertainment for years to come.”

Donald Wilson, Edinburgh City Council Convener of Culture and Communities added: “This has always been a very popular cinema, but these refurbishments – including cutting-edge technology and fully-reclining seats – sees it become a state-of-the-art facility with benefits for the whole city. Edinburgh is a city with a rich history of arts and culture, and the new ODEON Luxe Edinburgh West will ensure guests can enjoy the best entertainment in truly luxurious settings.”

 Key features of the new ODEON Luxe Edinburgh West include:

 800 fully-reclining seats (reduced from 2,117) across eight fully-refurbished screens, with increased leg-room, improved comfort and handy tray tables

A new cutting-edge 178-seat iSense screen, delivering a truly immersive, ultra-high-definition cinema experience, with 4K projection and Dolby ATMOS sound

160 brand new speakers across all auditoriums, with all standard screens also upgrading to Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound and 63 multi-channel amplifiers

New enlarged screens across all auditoriums – with new in-screen lighting systems to minimise distractions and optimised viewing angles with better light uniformity on all screens

New Dolby Fidelio Audio Description system and Hearing-Impaired loops across all screens for guests who are hard of hearing

New food & drink offering, including freshly-popped popcorn, hot dogs and nachos, as well as the all-new Oscar’s Bar featuring freshly-cooked pizza and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

New drinks options including a Coca Cola Freestyle machine with over 100 different flavours and freshly brewed coffee, served in the brand new stylish on-site Costa

Renovated and refreshed areas of the cinema including a new foyer, entrance area, ceilings, toilets and LED lighting

ODEON’s sub-brands including ODEON Kids, ODEON Newbies, ODEON Silver Cinema & ODEON Screen Unseen

BILLY CONNOLLY: WHAT THE BIG YIN WAS GOING TO SAY TO HER MAJ

A trendy looking Billy Connolly said he couldn’t  wait to be knighted on Tuesday - and he’d be an obedient servant.
Billy had been spending the last week in Scotland catching up with his daughter and family before the big event.
Asked what he was going to say to Her Majesty on the big day, the comedy legend said : “I’m just going to do what she tells me.”
During his time in Glasgow The Big Yin, who recently found out he has Indian blood, popped in for a South Indian meal at Dakhin and spoke to staff about his love of the traditional dishes.
He also went shopping at Wholefoods in Giffnock which coincidently used to be the old Tudor cinema - a fact that didn’t go unnoticed when he met a relative of the former owners.

During Halloween celebrations Billy posed with two Superhero superfan students Jonathan Walker, 18 and Ian McMaster, 18 who couldn’t believe they bumped into him.
Jonathan said: “This has made our night. We both love Billy.”

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Scottish Sun and Daily Record
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

GLASGOW TO NEW YORK IN MINUTES WITH BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH

GLASGOW has been transformed into New York City as Benedict Cumberbatch, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Lord of the Rings Star Hugo Weaving prepare to hit the city for a new TV series.
Melrose, a Sky Atlantic show will follow the character of Patrick Melrose, “an aristocratic and outrageously funny playboy” who turns to substance abuse to erase bad childhood memories of his abusive father and a mother who tacitly condoned the behaviour.
 The programme is set in the south of France in the 1960s, New York in the 1980s and London in the early 2000s.
As well as changing bank building signage in Bothwell Street over to popular New York names like The Drake Hotel, and covering up red post boxes with graffitied metal boxes, an array of yellow cabs and other US vehicles took over the streets of the city centre for pre production activity yesterday ( Saturday)
Yesterday cones were put around the streets to stop cars from obstructing the Film set and cars which were parked after 4pm were towed.
Roads around the city will be closed between October 29 and November 3 to accommodate the production including Bothwell Street, Bothwell Lane, St Vincent Street and Renfield Street.
In recent years Glasgow has been turned into various American destinations due to its grand architecture and grid system of streets.

GLASGOW’S MIDGE URE WANTS TO GO CLASSICAL - AT A COST

MIDGE Ure says he’d love to go on tour with a classical orchestra but being a true Scotsman is worried about the cost.
The Ultravox singer is currently touring with an electro band but says he’d love to involve strings and brass next time round.
He said: “It would be lovely to do but I am Scottish and I’ve still got that thing of ‘how much is it going to cost going out on tour with an orchestra?’. That’s lots of money. We are looking at the possibilities of doing it next year.”
He added: “I’ve got a very versatile electronic band for this tour but I’ve got an album orchestrated and I’ve been working on it for eighteen months now and it came about because I’ve done a few performances over the last couple of years with orchestras and of course it transpires with what I’ve written in the past with Ultravox really suits orchestral treatments. It’s very cinematic, poignant, grandiose, very sad and next year we will look at the possibilities of a live tour off the back of the album.”
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

ROD STEWART JOINS HOST OF FOOTBALL STARS TO PAY TRIBUTE TO GLASGOW MUM

ROD Stewart paid tribute to a very special member of Celtic Park - and serenaded her before telling her he loved her.
In an exclusive video to honour Glasgow's Angela Thomson who celebrated thirty years of working behind the scenes at Parkhead, Rod gave a tour of his Celtic themed home gym.
Standing by a Celtic flagpole, he welcomed her to his gym decked out with Hoops scarves and placques and said: "Angie its Rod. It's raining. Come into the gym. Come quickly. Come on in. This is my gym. Angie, I just wanted to thank you for your thirty years to the best football team - not always the best football team but certainly the best club in the world. You've been absolutely wonderful. What would we have done without you? I wish I could have been there for you but I'm away tonight to the south of France for a rest but I love you and I'll see you soon. I'm going to bring you up a present and I'm going to sing a song as well."
After singing the opening verse of 'Have I told you lately that I love you?' Rod added: "See you soon Angie. Take care darling. Love you"
The brilliant video and night was organised by Made In Scotland and Celtic Former Players Association with Spirit Aid and was one of the largest events in Celtic Park's function rooms with a whopping five hundred and fifty guests.
Rod wasn't the only celebrity to pay his respects to Angie who has kept the players strips clean and smart over the years.
It was like a Who's Who of the clubs history as over 100 past and present names and four ex managers turned up to honour Her.
John Hartson, Henrik Larson, Jackie McNamara, Neil Lennon, Frank McAvennie, Gordon Strachan and Martin O Neill were amongst those who paid tribute to Angie in the flesh alongside the current squad and Brendan Rodgers. Pierre van Hooijdonk, Peter Lawwell and Lubo Moravcik also sent special video messages to Angie as she is affectionately known.
The 59 year old started off in catering before moving to the clubs laundrette.
Angie's daughter said: "It was amazing for us to see how well respected Angela is and to see how many people love her. She is so special to us.
"She thought she was going to a Celine Dione tribute night and was in shock when she saw a big picture of herself on screen. I was blown away too. She's been with the club for 30 years and she started with catering and then went to work in laundry."
Ex player Joe Miller who heads up the Former Celtic Players Association said: "It was a great event and pretty touching as well. Angie started at the club the same time as I started at Celtic and used to help Neil Mochan who was kit manager at the time. She's a great character and has looked after everyone. She's an important part of the club and has played a huge part in the players lives and made an impression. You could rely on her if you needed anything signed - even once you left the club. A lot of people who work at the club are unsung heroes and Angie comes under that category. She is at the heart of the club.
Players flew in from around the world to be with her."
Jacqueline Doherty from Made In Scotland who put together the videos for the event said: "Getting Rod was the icing on the cake and we compiled a potted thirty year history for this lady. It was wonderful."
Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Scottish Sun
From Scotland with Love - The Showbiz Lion.

CON DINE WITH ME SAYS SUZIE

RADIO DJ Suzie McGuire ended up making a real dogs dinner of things after announcing on social media that she was going to appear on Come Dine With Me - and got over 480 messages of congratulations.
The former Clyde 1 presenter's news received hundreds of replies on Facebook and beyond after she announced "Whoop whoop I've just been accepted on Come Dine With Me."
Suzie's post was so popular that a Glasgow evening paper even covered it as a legitimate story.
She also received messages from as far afield as South Africa and Florida asking her when the transmission date was.
But the announcement was a fake - and Suzie has now revealed to The Showbiz Lion that she was just doing her bit for an autism charity - and shared the post in a bid to raise awareness for the cause.
Suzie said: "I don't normally entertain or agree these chainmail messages but a friend of mine who has a wee boy with autism sent it after I commented on his post and I felt I couldn't ignore it.
"The message I received back said I had to 'pick from one of the sentences below and post it as your status. This is the 2017 Autism Awareness game. Don't be a spoil sport. Pick your poison from one of these and post it as your status.'
Suzie had options to choose sentences like 'Just found a squirrel in my car!', 'Just agreed to a sexual favour to get out of a speeding ticket.', 'I've no clean pants for tomorrow, so just going to turn them inside out!' and 'My haemorrhoids are playing up like crazy tonight!'
She said: "I wasn't going to tell people that I was pregnant or that I'd p**d myself which were other options so I thought I'd put up the status about being chosen to go on come dine with me which was the last option in the list, but I never expected all this carry on."
As soon as she posted the status, Suzie's timeline was flooded with messages of congratulations from people like Stephen Hamilton who said: "Brilliant, Suzie. I've never seen toast and beans washed doon wi a boattle of Scotmid's special offer on TV before.xxx"
Nadine Hawkins said: "Better get the Indian on standby!"
Other suggestions of food included bangers and mash, Fray bentos pies, and boxed cheesy pasta.
A hopeful Graham Ray added: "Well done. What's for dinner then? Let's us know when you are due to be on. Two people I know have won this."
Naked Butler Paul Lawlor even volunteered to strip for the occasion.
He offered: "Brilliant! If you would like someone to greet your guests i'd be happy to come along and surprise them. Obviously at no expense.x"
Suzie said: "Everyone got so involved and came up with ideas of the menu including Buckfast and Fray Bentos. When I went to a pub quiz that night people were congratulating me and asking when I was going to be on telly and I got numerous or page messages from people too."
When Suzie saw her announcement had been picked up by a local rag she knew she had to private message people to come clean.
She said: "When it turned up as an article in the evening paper I was speechless. It was only meant to be a giggle and now I have repetitive strain injury in my hand from sending private messages to people telling them it was for autism awareness."
The reaction to her post has however made Suzie think about doing the show for real and she says she'd be game for a laugh next time the telly show is looking for Scots contestants.
She said: "It might actually maybe lead to me being on Come Dine With Me.
"I am a good cook and have become a domestic goddess while I've taken a break with the kids. I really enjoy cooking now and there's six of us and a slow cooker. I love to make a curry or a nice fillet of steak and I love a wee dinner party so I'd be up for going on the show for real. Nigella and Jamie eat your heart out."
This article has since appeared in the Scottish Sun.
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

SCOTS COMEDIAN BILLY CONNOLLY HAD TO HIDE UNDER A TABLE

BILLY Connolly once had to hide under a table during the troubles in Northern Ireland according to broadcaster Gloria Hunniford.

Gloria, and her Rip Off Britain golden girls Angela Rippon and Julia Somerville can't wait to come to Scotland this week to host a week of live episodes of the BBC one consumer show. 

She recalled meeting her first ever big name Scot - in the form of Billy. 

She revealed: "Billy Connolly was probably the first big famous Scot I met. When I was in Northern Ireland he was a great friend of Phil Coulter who is a great composer and pianist and performer. They still are really good mates. Phil lived in Derry and during the bombings Billy would literally bite the bullet and come across.  

Gloria who regularly reported on the bombs, bullets and barricades long before she was sent to London to work for Radio 2 said: "Phil wanted Billy to come over this one time and Billy wasn't keen. 

He said: "I don't want to come over." Phil said: "You'll be safe as houses. They don't ever attack anyone in sport or entertainment." 

Anyway Billy was in St Columbs Hall in Derry and there was a bomb scare. So he was hiding under the table during this bomb scare and shouted to Coulter 'Wait till I get my hands on you." 

At the same time there was somebody crawling commando style in his chest and hands and knees and said to Billy 'Hey Billy could I have your autograph."

Gloria also revealed her young son couldn't get round the idea of historic Scottish ruins when they first came on holiday to Scotland. 

She said: I remember the first time we came to visit Scotland when we were living in Northern Ireland. We could go round Stranraer very easily for a holiday and we went when my kids were small and I do recall going to the Rose Abbey when my son Paul was seven or eight at the time and he said: "Oh mum. Who blew it up?" He couldn't understand it was a ruin air everything he'd seen in Northern Ireland had been blown up."

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in in the Scottish Sun.

From Scotland with Love - The Showbiz Lion

THE SEX PISTOLS THOUGHT DUNDEE WAS MORE PUNK THAN THEM

ON the fortieth anniversary month of Sex Pistol's Never Mind The Bollocks, original band member Glen Matlock has recalled the bands first ever Scots gig in Dundee - and the unexpected carnage of the night.

Glen who was the band's bass guitarist and man who cowrote ten out of the twelve tracks on Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols is currently on tour and plays Aberdeen's Lemon Tree tonight (Sunday).
Despite the band's rebellious reputation Glen admits the Dundee gig was full on and he says he'll never forget the welcome he and the young punks received there in October 1976.
He said: "I played here with the Sex Pistols in 1976 and we played at a teacher training college in Dundee. It's not really on the radar this gig and we got bottled off.
The gig was at the Dundee College of Technology’s Union, more commonly known as the Bowling Alley by the locals and Glen recalled:
"There weren't that many people there but they must have drunk a lot cause there were lots of bottles of Tennent's and Newcastle Brown.
"People just began throwing bottles at us and we had to go off stage. The door was just behind the drum riser and it was going bang bang bang bang bang from the sound of the bottles for about fifteen minutes.
"Eventually they ran out of ammunition and we opened the door and the place had cleared and we went to the bar to get a drink.
These two blokes were there and they said to us 'Why didn't you come out and play any more numbers?' and we said 'Because you were throwing bottles at us and they replied: "But we read that you liked that.'
The young band were meant to return to Dundee following their debut that same year at Caird Hall but had to quickly re-arrange their plans at the last minute to enable them to appear on the "Today" tv programme that was broadcast live on December 1 1976.
 Their appearance with Bill Grundy was full of profanities and as a consequence of all this publicity, the Pistols were "banned" from most of the Anarchy tour venues, including Dundee - so they never returned.
Glen who will soon been touring in Australia and New Zealand as well as playing Glastonbury and nostalgia festivals like Rewind this year parted ways with the Pistols in 1977 said: "Life hasn't been that bad. It's a bit up and down being a musician but I've been doing lots of things."
"I'd tell my teen self to get a good lawyer. There's always something going on and always somebody who will try and take you for a charlie."
He added: "I've always loved Scotland and I had a song called Ghost of Princes In Towers which I did with a fellow Scot of yours Midge Ure. We got on well and I’m proud of our project the Rich Kids. We were a bit before our time.”
For his gig tonight Glen who has already played Paisley and Edinburgh this week says he's ready to rock n roll.
He said: "I just need plenty of Silk Cut and some coffee when I play. It keeps you on your toes. Then I strap up my guitar and off I go."
Excerpts of this story have since appeared in the Sunday Post.
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

VEGGIE AWARENESS MONTH SEES GLASGOW DHABBA CREATE EXCITING DISHES

OCTOBER is Vegetarian Awareness Month and veggies as well as those who fancy giving it a shot will be in their element as restaurants and bars around Glasgow offer some of the best quality dishes. 

 Amongst them is The Dhabba North Indian restaurant in Merchant City who have decided to share the recipe for one of their classic vegetarian dishes with theshowbizlion.com. 

The restaurant, which recently launched a new menu and even makes its own bread and cheese on the premises, is passionate about the quality of ingredients it uses.

Owner Navdeep Basi said: "Nowhere in the world is vegetarianism so strongly associated with, than India. It has its origins in the sixth century with the introduction of

Buddhism. For a lot of Indians today, vegetarianism is the way things should

be, according to the natural law of the universe. Mahatma Gandhi, perhaps

India's most famous advocate of vegetarianism, proposed vegetarianism as a

path to the observance of non-violence. To him it was not only a means of

rejecting chaos and confusion but also a healthy positive outlook that led

to good for all man and womankind."

Navdeep and his team made a video of the detailed process that goes into making Sheetal Kachori, a delicious appetiser of bean sprouts, pomegranate, and crispy bread, drizzled with cool yogurt.

Navdeep said: "Here at The Dhabba we are proud of our Indian heritage. Our chefs are

classically trained and respect the cultural roots of Indian cuisine. Our

menu has a great selection of healthy, wholesome vegetarian food. Using only

the freshest and finest ingredients our chefs create and present unique

delicacies to our patrons. On the occasion of Vegetarian Awareness Month celebrate by trying some of our vegetarian fare here at The Dhabba - we think you will like it."

THE OSMONDS TALK BAY CITY ROLLERS AS THEY VISIT GLASGOW'S SSE HYDRO

THE Osmonds play the SSE Hydro in Glasgow tonight - and they have reassured fans they are the real deal after someone thought they were an 'amazing tribute band'. 

Brothers Merrill, Jimmy and Jay appear alongside David Essex, Suzie Quatro and Hot Chocolate for the David Essex Legends Show at the Glasgow venue and hope people know how what they are coming to.

Relaxing in Glasgow's Crown Plaza hotel Jay explained: "We were doing the show last time round and were signing autographs at the end and this person came back and said 'You guys were amazing. I've never seen anything so wonderful' and we said 'Well Thankyou' and she replied: "You're the greatest tribute Osmond band I've ever seen in my life."

We just played along with it. I thought it was funny anyway."

The talented trio love visiting Scotland and admit they're now really friendly with one of their former pop rivals - The Bay City Rollers. 

Jay enthused: "We love the Bay City Rollersand are friends. In fact Si our bass player is from the Bay City Rollers. We have been good friends since the seventies."

Merille added: "Jay and I recently did a carpool karaoke covering Saturday Nightand the Rollers have done one too. We once sang Crazy horses together."

Jimmy laughed: "Everybody used to think there was competition between the Osmonds and Jackson's and The Rollers but we all got along great and had the same type of experiences so it's fun to share those memories - although I have better hair." 

STILL GAME'S lSA STARTS PUMPING FITNESS REGIME IN GLASGOW

STILL Game's Isa Drennan might need to wear extra padding on TV after actress Jane McCarry has shed the pounds with a new fitness regime. 

And fans of the top Scots BBC comedy have admitted they have begun to fancy her.

Craiglang pensioner Isa might be partial to the odd Greg's pastry or sweetie and chocolate treat from Naveeds corner shop, and but Jane, 46, admits she's started working out. 

And while Isa's dutiful exercise regime might consist of hoovering the odd floor, the real life star who plays her is positively glowing with her new look.

Jane who has recently had to care for her 89 year old mum as well as her own family in between heavy filming schedules said: "I've been at the body pump actually. Mark Cox who plays Tam Mullen has been at a different type of body pump in his personal life with his partner. 

Mark who co presented with Jane at the recent charity Les Hoey Dreammaker Ball added: "Jane has been working out as you can see. She's half the women she was. She's been doing it four of five months."

Jane laughed: "There is no diet. I've not actually done a diet. I've just exercised a bit that's all - and laid off the grub a wee bit. It's Bodypump maybe a few times a week. Not a lot. I'm embarrassed. I'm just a bit stronger. Playing it down, she continued: "Well maybe I've lost a wee pounds or two. It's not the LA diet. I'm affronted. I think Isas probably got type 2 diabetes so that's probably how the weight is falling off her."

Jane recently posted new pictures up of herself on social media and friends and fans were quick to notice her new look.

Scot Squad star Jordan Young said: "Isa is proper tidy likes!!!"

Denise from Glasgow added: "That’s what I was thinking! Mad to think it’s really isa!"

Debs added: "Holy s***. Jane! Ooooooft. Ooooooft!"

And Tom added: "Isa is a babe."

Andrew Erroch echoed: "Wow! Isa never looked so good!"

While Alan Brown added: "Has Isa been on the Pete the jakey diet."

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in The Scottish Sun.

From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com 

BAFTA SCOTLAND WELCOMES A HOST OF STARS THIS NOVEMBER IN GLASGOW

A host of stars from TV, film and the gaming world will grace the red carpet at the BAFTA Scotland awards this November. 

The prestigious bash at Glasgow's Radisson Blu presented by Edith Bowman takes place on November 5 - and theshowbizlion.com promises there'll be more than a few sparklers on the night.  

The nominations read like a Who's Who of the celebrity world and we can expect s few buggies from T2 Trainspotting to turn up - especially since they lead the way with a total of five nominations: for Feature Film, Director Fiction and three nominations in the Actor Film category (for Ewen Bremner, Robert Carlyle and Ewan McGregor). Following with three nominations each are In Plain Sight (Actor Television for Martin Compston and Douglas Henshall, and Television Scripted) and The Replacement (Actress Television, Television Scripted and Writer Film/Television).

Edith Bowman, returning host of the ceremony, said: “BAFTA Scotland play such an important role in supporting and nurturing creative talent and the British Academy Scotland Awards is a terrific platform to recognise these practitioners. I’m thrilled to be part of a celebration of the immense talent in Scotland and I can’t wait to see who wins on the night.”

Jude MacLaverty, Director of BAFTA Scotland, added: “The wealth, quality and diversity of this year’s nominees is very exciting and we look forward to welcoming everyone for another fantastic evening on 5 November. We’re thrilled to have Edith back as this year’s host, she is hugely passionate about recognising and celebrating the phenomenal work produced in Scotland.”

T2 Trainspotting dominates the Actor Film category, sponsored by Audi, with Ewen Bremner (T2 Trainspotting), Robert Carlyle (T2 Trainspotting) and Ewan McGregor (T2 Trainspotting) each receiving a nomination for their work on the film. Actress Film, sponsored by M.A.C Cosmetics, sees Kate Dickie (Prevenge), Freya Mavor (Modern Life is Rubbish) and Deirdre Mullins (The Dark Mile) competing for the award.

 Actor Television will be contested by Mark Bonnar (Unforgotten), Martin Compston (In Plain Sight) and Douglas Henshall (In Plain Sight), as Morven Christie (The Replacement), Laura Fraser (The Missing) and Juliet Stevenson (One of Us) vie for the Actress Television title.

In a new category for 2017, Television Scripted, In Plain Sight, The Replacement and Two Doors Down are all nominated.

Darren Hercher (Sighthill), Louise Lockwood (Fair Isle: Living on the Edge) and John MacLaverty (Glasgow 1967: The Lisbon Lions) are shortlisted for Director Factual and Danny Boyle (T2 Trainspotting), Hope Dickson Leach (The Levelling) and Tom Vaughan (Victoria) for Director Fiction, sponsored by Taittinger.

This year’s Feature Film category sees Accidental Anarchist, Donkeyote and T2 Trainspotting all shortlisted for the coveted title, while Joe Ahearne (The Replacement), Simon Carlyle and Gregor Sharp (Two Doors Down) and Hope Dickson Leach (The Levelling) are competing for Writer Film/Television, sponsored by Creative Scotland.

The Features & Factual Series category comprises The Council, Fair Isle: Living on the Edge and Prison: First and Last 24 Hours, while Brut@l, Red’s Kingdom and Stories Untold are all up for Game.

Billy Connolly: Portrait of a Lifetime, Glasgow 1967: The Lisbon Lions and Sighthill will compete in the Single Documentary category.

Francis Bacon: A Brush with Violence, The Marvellous World of Roald Dahl and Scotland and the Klan are all nominated in the Specialist Factual category, sponsored by Deloitte.

This year’s Animation nominees are Home Matters, Life Cycles, by previous BAFTA Scotland Award winner Ross Hogg, and Spindrift. The Short Film category sees 1745, The Inescapable Arrival of Lazlo Petushki and Plastic Man going head-to-head for the title.

All Round to Mrs Brown’s, The Dog Ate My Homework, which was nominated for a British Academy Children’s Award in 2016, and Robot Wars complete this year’s category for Entertainment. 

The Current Affairs category sees Eòrpa Special – Guantanamo Detainees, The Insiders’ Guide to the Menopause and Who Cares all vie for the coveted award.

The awards bash has attracted stars from Doctor Who, Still Game and Outlander in the past but Outlander didn't qualify for nomination this year and Still Game didn't make the cut. 

Nonetheless stars from the shows have been invited to the red carpet ceremony which will be broadcast on Facebook Live. 

MARILLION MAN FISH ALMOST GOT ARRESTED IN BRAZIL

MARILLION singer Fish claims he was taken in for questioning and almost arrested after he pretended to work as an undercover agent for UN Security in Brazil. 

The rocker who is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of his album Sunsets of Empire this year, revealed his 007 act of bravado happened in Brazil shortly after the album's release. 

Following a gig there, he told BBC radio Scotland quiz show Stop The Press that he and the band were having one last bit of chill out time before hopping on the plane to the next destination

He said: "We were all sitting there drinking coffees and were a bit worse for wear. We all got up to move towards the gate and were about thirty metres down the corridor when we realised we'd left the briefcase in the cafe."

"We had the whole tour to go, Argentina, Chile and all the countries after that and all other documents and visas were in the case". 

After realising the place was empty, and the briefcase was gone, Fish whose real name is Derek Dick took matters into his own hands.

He said: "There was no sign of the briefcase and two shady guys were working behind the bar. I just knew that they had taken it so I took advantage of the situation. I had been in Bosnia earlier, about a year before, and I had kept this UN identity card that looks really mean. I don't know what came over me but I just pulled out the card and went 'UN security stick your hands up against the wall'. I jumped over the bar and put the two guys against the wall and it was like I was holding a weapon. I kept saying: 'Where's the briefcase. This Is a UN matter and we want to know about the briefcase right now' and they wouldn't talk to me."

Things got heated after Fish realised he wasn't the only undercover agent there.  

He laughed: "I turned round and there were three Brazilian FBI officers behind me with real guns. 

"When I was in Bosnia I met some guys in the special forces and they kind of told me things to do, little tips, and one of them had said 'Don't say anything'. So this particular FBI guy said what are you doing and who are you working for and I said 'I can't tell you.'I then told him 'These two guys have taken my briefcase' and explained the situation saying 'It's behind there.'

They kept asking who I was and I said 'I can't tell you. ' They walked me all the way round the airport for about fifteen minutes and we went into a room, me and the two guys from behind the bar and another bunch of FBI officers. 

I explained the situation and said: "These two guys have taken this briefcase and its in the back of the cafe in a cupboard so just go to the back and you will find it. They took me away and walked me around for another ten minutes saying who are you and 'I said I'm sorry I can't tell you. You've got my passport and I can't say.'"

Eventually Fish was allowed to board the plane but the officers still had no idea who he was. He said: "They took me up to the plane and I was the last person on that plane, walked up by the Brazilian FBI. They turned round and said to me 'We found the briefcase in the back of the cafe' and they shook my hand and said 'Nice working with you'.

The rocker who is threatening to retire next year following his sixtieth birthday says he is now planning a double album to end in a high note .

He said: "I want to bow out with a big statement."

The showbizlion.com appears on BBC Radio Scotland's Stop The Press this Friday. 

From Scotland with Love - The Showbiz Lion

CONOR MCGREGOR MEETS WITH GLASGOW DREAMMAKER KIDS

Exclusive
CONOR McGregor stayed an extra two days in Glasgow  and met up with Celtic and Scotland team supremo Kieran Tierney and nine brace children from Scottish charity the Les Hoey Dreammaker Foundation after his talk in the Armadillo.

The MMA fighter who is fiercely proud of his Scottish ancestry met with the children after Les and his team splashed out on the treasured tickets to see him talk at the bash.
And the Dublin born champ met up with Glasgow's own boxing lad Lee Welsh who at thirteen already has several boxing titles of his own under his belt.
Lee who has beaten cancer was joined by Euan Fellows, 14 from Arbroath who was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma.
Lee said: "You don't get to meet Conor McGregor every day. Conor is a UFC fighter but as a boxer he did alright for the first five rounds and Mayweather then picked his shots."
Hamish McGuigan, 13 from Stranraer and Mitchell Connell, 14, who both have lymphoma also met their hero.
Hamish said: "I'm a massive Conor McGregor fan. I like what he does."
Mitchell said: "He's a cool guy and I like the way he dresses."
Darren Valentine,16 from Blantyre added: "Les Hoey got tickets for us for this. He's helped us out quite a lot and this is just one of the things he'd done for us. Conor is a famous guy and is one of the most popular people in the world."
Dylan Hawkins added: "It means everything to me to meet Conor as I've always followed him."
Conor who wore a jacket in the McGregor tartan said of his Scots trip: "I'm very proud of my heritage and where I come from you can go way back and I was swinging a pick axe on a horse up in the Scottish Highlands defending this land. That's where I come from so it's an honour to come here."
During the night audience member Steven Anderson gifted a signed glove he bought for £250 to The Dreammaker Foundation.
Another audience member gave the charity a hundred pounds after seeing them at the event.
After the bash Conor stayed on an extra two days at the plush Blythswood hotel in Glasgow where he met up with Kieran Tierney.
Conor who had chanted Celtic songs both during his Armadillo chat and at his Sanctuary nightclub appearance said he couldn't wait to get back home to his son and family.