Author: WTX Entertainment

Medical shows donate equipment Medical shows Casualty and Holby City will donate equipment and other kits to the NHS.  Producers are in discussion with local NHS services to give personal protective equipment [PPE] “and other useful medical items to assist them.”  The donations come as both shows have suspended production. And the UK continues its fight against Covid-19.  Challenges with supply The health secretary has said there have been “challenges” with the supply of PPE to NHS staff in England. NHS staff had warned the government they were at risk.  Executive producer Simon Harper said: “Casualty and Holby City are…

BRIEF – ME! – ENTERTAINMENT NEWS BRIEFING Entertainment Briefing, Catch up with this week’s top stories from the world of art, music, film and TV. In music, Glastonbury has been cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Singer Duffy returns with a new song after almost a decade away from the industry.  Film and TV, Netflix is set to cut the streaming quality for Europe for 30 days to ease the strain on internet providers. Find out what Hollywood film studios are planning to do with their postponed film releases.  Celebrity and other news, we take a look at…

Netflix cuts streaming quality in Europe Netflix will reduce its video quality in Europe for the next 30 days, to reduce the strain on internet service providers.  Since large parts of Europe has been asked to self-isolate, Netflix has seen the demand for streaming increase.  They will lower the picture quality which will reduce Netflix data consumption by 25%. But they said viewers will still have good picture quality. The change appears to include the UK, although it has not yet been confirmed.  https://twitter.com/FergalBowers/status/1240757233702576128 Video quality Netflix will cut its streaming bitrates, which influence how clear and smooth videos look when…

No, Oprah was not arrested for sex trafficking. Barely a few days into global lockdown and everyone appears to have lost their minds. The bizarre – and completely untrue – posts about Winfrey appeared late Tuesday night on Twitter.  Blame it on Coronavirus-isolation cabin fever but the internet is keeping itself entertained by the rumour. The media mogul took to Twitter on Tuesday, saying the rumour was “an awful FAKE thing” and “NOT TRUE”.  https://twitter.com/Oprah/status/1240150930840051712 Trending  The conspiracy theory about Oprah being raided and arrested for sex trafficking sprung up from nowhere. And quickly became a worldwide trend.  The original claim…

BRIEF – ME! – ENTERTAINMENT NEWS BRIEFING Entertainment Briefing, Catch up with this week’s top stories from the world of art, music, film and TV. In music, Niall Horan talks about his new album, his One Direction days and advice from Elton. Kendrick Lamar has been announced as Glastonbury’s third headliner for its 50th-anniversary show.  Film and TV, Corey Feldman’s documentary exposes Hollywood paedophilia. And accuses actor Charlie Sheen of rape.  British Bake Off fans have a new host! Comedian Matt Lucas announced join Noel Fielding.  Celebrity and other news, Tom Hanks and wife Rita both have coronavirus and are…

The former King of Hollywood, film producer Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault.  Weinstein was found guilty in a New York trial last month and the 67-year-old appeared in court on Wednesday in a wheelchair.  https://twitter.com/ThePubliusUSA/status/1237769446883840006 Weinstein gets 23 years behind bars His lawyers had appealed for leniency, wanting the minimum sentence of five years, claiming it to be a “life sentence” for Weinstein.  But prosecutors argued Weinstein should be given the maximum sentence given his “lifetime of abuse” towards women and “lack of remorse” for his actions.  On Wednesday, Weinstein…

Corey Feldman’s film on Hollywood paedophilia accuses Charlie Sheen of rape In his new documentary (My) Truth: The Rape of Two Coreys, Corey Feldmans film named those, he says, sexually assaulted him and friend Corey Haim when they were child stars.  Among the names, Feldman alleged Haim had told him, actor, Charlie Sheen raped him while making the 1986 Steven Spielberg film’s ‘Lucas Productions’.  Charlie Sheen has in the past denied ever engaging in improper behaviour with Haim.  “This wasn’t like a one-time thing he said in passing. It wasn’t like ‘Oh, by the way, this happened.’ He went into…

BRIEF – ME! – ENTERTAINMENT NEWS BRIEFING Entertainment Briefing, Catch up with this week’s top stories from the world of art, music, film and TV. In music, a biopic about the late singer Amy Winehouse has been confirmed by her father. He says it will tell the true story of the icons life. Isobel Waller-Bridge has released a new album, the musician first found fame providing the music for her sister’s hit show Fleabag.   Film and TV, the new James Bond film’s delayed release date will cost MGM studios $30 million. The latest Bond film was set to be released…

Former Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein has been moved from hospital to an infirmary unit at Rikers Island jail in New York City.  Weinstein was found guilty last month of one count of carrying out a criminal sex act on a woman in 2006 and one count of third-degree rape for a 2013 attack on another woman.  But due to concerns about his blood pressure and heart palpitations, Weinstein was transferred from the court to a hospital instead of jail. Weinstein’s spokesman Juda Engelmayer said the 67-year-old had a “successful” heart procedure but gave no further details.  According to his…

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s sister Isobel has released a new single, which she has described as “intimate.” Isobel is a classical composer who came into the public eye after writing the music for her sister’s hit show Fleabag.  She has also written the scores for other films and shows including Emma, Black Mirror and Vanity Fair.  New single Isobel has said her new single – September – is her “most personal project” and has called it a “hello” to her new record label Mercury KX.  The track won’t be on her second album, which the 35-year-old is currently recording, but will appear…

Mohammad Rasoulof’s film about capital punishment has won the top prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.  The Iranian director was banned from directing in 2017. He produced There Is No Evil, his sixth film, in secret.  But the director is unable to travel outside of Iran because of charges relating to his earlier films.  Mr Rasoulf’s daughter Baran – who stars in the film, received the Golden Bear on his behalf. https://twitter.com/AraiDariush/status/1234105524850954240 Iran film – There Is No Evil At the Berlin film festival, Jury president Jeremy Irons said the film showed “the web an authoritarian regime weaves among…

BRIEF – ME! – ENTERTAINMENT NEWS BRIEFING Entertainment Briefing, Catch up with this week’s top stories from the world of art, music, film and TV. In music, singer Duffy has revealed she was ‘drugged, raped and held captive’ in a recent Instagram post. The singer explains her absence from the industry. Nick Jonas almost had a very different career in the early days of his band – The Jonas Brothers.  Film and TV, find out why Disney+’s revival of Lizzie McGuire has been delayed. Steven Spielberg has said he won’t direct the next Indiana Jones film – but take a…

Hollywood director Steven Spielberg has announced he won’t be directing Indiana Jones 5.  The filmmaker was at the helm of the first four movies in the franchise – the first, Raiders Of The Lost Ark was made 39 years ago.  Spielberg will be passing on the role to a younger director, in a bid to “bring a new perspective” to the story, according to Variety.  The magazine believes director James Mangold will replace him.  Spielberg, however, is set to remain as a “hands-on” producer.  Indiana Jones 5 The new Indiana film was confirmed by Harrison Ford earlier this month…

American actor Mark Ruffalo made it clear he’s not a fan of President Trump, telling Sky News: “The world should consider my president public enemy number one.”  Ruffalo is well-known for his political and environmental activism as well as his Hollywood career.  Ruffalo is promoting his latest film – Dark Waters – and thinks there are parallels to be drawn with his leader’s climate change denial.  Dark Waters, directed by Todd Haynes, tells the story of one man’s fight against chemical company DuPont – the creators of Teflon.  The company has always denied dumping toxic waste that contaminated the air,…

Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas reportedly left almost his entire $61m fortune to charity. The actor died earlier this month at the age of 103.  On Sunday, The Mirror reported he left $50m to be distributed to the Douglas Foundation, which the actor and his wife founded in 1964. The charity’s goal is “helping those who cannot help themselves.” “Its primary focus is improving the education and health, fostering the well-being and most importantly developing new opportunities for the children who hold our future in their hands,” the website says.  The outlet states the beneficiaries of the fortune will include St…

BRIEF – ME! – ENTERTAINMENT NEWS BRIEFING Entertainment Briefing, Catch up with this week’s top stories from the world of art, music, film and TV. In music, rapper Pop Smoke was killed during a “house invasion” at his home in the Hollywood Hills. Popstar Ellie Goulding is getting ready to return to music after time away from the biz!  Film and TV, Eastenders icon June Brown has said she has left the soap for good after a 35-year career. US President Trump says he believes Parasite did not deserve to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards – because its…

Disney teams up with Allure Bridals to create Princess Wedding dresses Have you always wanted to look like a Disney princess on your wedding day? If so, you’re in luck. Disney is set to launch its iconic princess dresses into real wedding dresses.  Disney has teamed up with bridal boutique Allure Bridals for a new wedding gown range. The dresses will be replicas of many of the famous Disney character dresses.  The 16 styles available in the Disney collection are inspired by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Tiana, and Snow White.  The set includes ball gowns, mermaid trains…

BRIEF – ME! – ENTERTAINMENT NEWS BRIEFING Entertainment Briefing, Catch up with this week’s top stories from the world of art, music, film and TV. In music, Billie Eilish has released her theme song for the upcoming James Bond. Eilish is the youngest artist to sing for the franchise.   Film and TV, Robert Pattinson’s bat-suit has officially been revealed – and gives a glimpse into the tone of the new film. DUCKS DUCKS DUCKS … QUACK QUACK QAUCK …  Estevez has officially returned to coach the new Mighty Ducks.  Celebrity and other news, former Nanny McPhee star has died at…

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s daughter will be continuing her family’s legacy by stepping into the ring.  Simon Johnson, 18, has officially started training with WWW – just like her father, grandfather and great-grandfather. She will be the first fourth-generation superstar in WWE history.  “It means the world to me,” Simone said in a statement. “To know that my family has such a personal connection to wrestling is really special to me and I feel grateful to have the opportunity, not only to wrestle but to carry on that legacy.” https://twitter.com/SimoneGJohnson/status/1226974898129600513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1226974898129600513&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fnewsbeat-51471305 Simone has already started training alongside other future wrestlers at…

BRIEF – ME! – ENTERTAINMENT NEWS BRIEFING Entertainment Briefing, Catch up with this week’s top stories from the world of art, music, film and TV. In music, Louis Tomlinson has opened up about his new LP -Walls. The album features a writing credit from Noel Gallagher but Louis not sure if Noel’s even listened to his track. Pop Star Kesha has been ordered to pay Dr Luke $375,000 as the defamation case continues. Kesha told lady Gaga that Dr Luke had raped Katy Perry.   Film and TV, on set pictures, have given us a look into Keanu Reeves’ return as…

Prince Charles has appointed pop star Katy Perry as an ambassador of the British Asian Trust charity. Perry’s new role was announced at the charity’s annual dinner in London Tuesday. Her appointment comes after she met the prince in Mumbai last year and learned about the British Asian Trust’s work.  The trust was founded by Prince Charles and is an international development charity that tackles poverty and inequality in South Asia.  The American singer will support the charity’s work to reduce child trafficking and abuse in India.  “India has long held a special place in my heart, and on my…

BRIEF – ME! – ENTERTAINMENT NEWS BRIEFING Entertainment Briefing, Catch up with this week’s top stories from the world of art, music, film and TV. In music, reviews are in for Taylor Swift’s eye-opening Netflix documentary. Selena Gomez has opened up about the emotional abuse she suffered from ex-partner Justin Bieber.   Film and TV, the CEO of Time’s Up UK has said the BAFTA’s is at risk of losing credibility because of its lack of diversity. The actor who voiced Peppa Pig has decided to step down from the role.  Celebrity and other news, Yvonne Ridley reviews ‘Becoming Eve’. And…

A YouTube star admitted to faking his girlfriend’s death and holding a seance to try to contact her spirit, in an attempt to boost his number of subscribers.  Jason Ethier, better known as ImJayStation, said last week that his girlfriend, fellow YouTuber Alexia Marano, had been killed by a drunk driver.  In the days after, he posted a video at what he said was a memorial space for his girlfriend. Another video soon followed in which he tried to contact her spirit.  In his latest video, the Canadian YouTuber said Marano is alive and well, but she has ended their…

For decades Kobe Bryant defined the NBA. Now the world mourns his tragic and untimely death.  He was “one of the most extraordinary players” in the history of basketball who “inspired people around the world” to play the game.  Bryant had a 20-year career with the LA Lakers, was a five-time NBA champion and was named an NBA All-Star 18 times. The legendary basketball player retired in 2016 – and the LA Lakers retired both his jersey numbers – 8 and 24 in September 2017.  “The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter,…

BRIEF – ME! – ENTERTAINMENT NEWS BRIEFING Entertainment Briefing, Catch up with this week’s top stories from the world of art, music, film and TV. In music, pop star Taylor Swift has opened up about her eating disorder and media pressure in a new Netflix documentary. Rapper Juice WRLD’s cause of death has been revealed. Rock Star Ozzy Osbourne says he has Parkinson’s disease and opened up about his terrible year.   Film and TV, Jordan Belfort is suing the film studio which made The Wolf of Wall Street – the story of his time on Wall Street – for $300…