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    UFC Alum Michael Bisping to Lead 'Journeymen' Adaptation

    WENN

    The retired UFC Middleweight Champion will star as a drug-addicted former fighter who is determined to continue his career, despite being diagnosed with neurological damage.

    Nov 10, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Former UFC star Michael Bisping is stepping into the boxing ring for the film adaptation of “The Journeyman”.
    The movie is inspired by British author Mark Turley’s book of the same name, and will star Bisping as Kenny ‘The Beast’ Breen, a drug-addicted former fighter with a record of 11-85-0 who is determined to continue his career, despite being diagnosed with neurological damage.
    The production will be directed by Dax Phelan, who co-wrote the screenplay with Turley, and filmed in the U.K.
    Real-life boxer Johnny Greaves will serve as the film’s technical advisor. Eric M. Klein and Phelan are producing. Bisping and Turley are on board as executive producers.
    “For obvious reasons, Mike brings an authenticity and an X-factor to the role that no other actor ever could,” Phelan said in a statement.

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    “His contributions to the script have been insightful and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to explore this character with him.”

    Bisping was a professional competitor since 2004. At UFC 199, he became the first British fighter to win a UFC Championship and he remains the sole British winner of a UFC title. He officially announced his retirement from MMA competition in 2018 and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on July 5, 2019.
    Bisping is no stranger to Hollywood – he previously appeared in movies such as “XXX: Return of Xander Cage” and “Den of Thieves”.
    Besides taking on acting roles, the 41-year-old was tapped as one of the four presenters of Netflix’s reality competition series “Hyperdrive”.

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    CBS Promises Diversity on 'Survivor', 'Big Brother' and Other Reality Shows

    CBS

    Before the network pledges diversity in future cast members, some ‘Survivor’ alums spoke out against the show, with Sean Rector and Jolanda Jones being two of the most vocal critics.

    Nov 10, 2020
    AceShowbiz – CBS is planning to make changes. Following criticism from past contestants of the network’s shows like “Survivor”, “Big Brother” and “Love Island”, the network pledged on Monday, November 9 that all future casts will contain at least 50 percent black, indigenous and people of color.
    “The reality TV genre is an area that’s especially underrepresented, and needs to be more inclusive across development, casting, production and all phases of storytelling,” George Cheeks, president and chief executive officer for the CBS Entertainment Group, declared. “As we strive to improve all of these creative aspects, the commitments announced today are important first steps in sourcing new voices to create content and further expanding the diversity in our unscripted programming, as well as on our network.”
    Prior to this, some “Survivor” alums spoke out against the show, criticizing the cast which was dominated with white contestants. Among the critics were Sean Rector, who participated on “Survivor: Marquesas”, and Jolanda Jones, who appeared on “Survivor: Palau”. They formed a group called The Black Survivor Alliance in order to bring “light to our collective experience with implicit bias and racism on and off the show.”

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    “If you don’t think racism and implicit bias exists, tell me why [‘Survivor: Marquesas’ winner Vecepia Robinson] has been completely ignored and has NEVER received an inquiry call or invite to even play in a season with all previous winners?” Rector said.
    “(Please miss me with the ‘she was boring or not great TV’ BS). Subsequently, ten seasons later, Earl Cole, a black man, finally won and like my sis Vecepia and Marquesas, was largely ignored by showrunners … Television, specifically the ‘Survivor’ franchise, has a responsibility and the power to represent a more just and equitable playing field as a benchmark of real progress for ALL people, and not some concession of perceived power or standing that had to be compromised by one group to another,” he went on to say.
    Julia Carter from “Survivor: Edge of Extinction” and J’Tia Taylor from “Survivor: Cagayan” also slammed the show for the lack of diversity during their appearance on “Quarantine Questionnaire”.

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    Kristen Stewart Is Mackenzie Davis' Secret Girlfriend in Trailer for Gay Rom-Com 'Happiest Season'

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    The ‘Charlie’s Angels’ star plays a young lesbian who travels to her girlfriend’s family home for Christmas only to have her sexuality be hidden from the conservative parents.

    Nov 10, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Kristen Stewart is redefining holiday rom-com in Hulu’s upcoming movie “Happiest Season”. Ahead of the jolliest season of the year, the first trailer for the Christmas film has been released for viewing pleasure, centering on a young lesbian couple played by the “Twilight Saga” actress and Mackenzie Davis (“Blade Runner 2049”).
    For the Yuletide, Abby (Stewart) and Harper (Davis) are traveling to the latter’s family home. But Abby’s excitement is soon spoiled after Harper informs her that she is yet to come out as lesbian to her conservative family.
    Hilarity ensues as the pair try to hide their relationship as well as their sexuality from Harper’s family, while Abby’s flamboyant friend John (Dan Levy) comes to the “rescue” by joining the family’s Christmas celebration and introduces himself as Abby’s “ex-boyfriend.”
    Planning to propose to Harper at her family’s annual Christmas dinner, Abby begins to question the girlfriend she thought she knew. “This is why I avoid Christmas. It brings out the worst in everything,” Abby says in the video, though John later reassures her, “Everybody’s story is different. Just because Harper isn’t ready doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you.”

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    According to the film’s description, “Happiest Season” is billed as “a holiday romantic comedy that hilariously captures the range of emotions tied to wanting your family’s acceptance, being true to yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas.”
    Clea DuVall, who directed and wrote the script, said earlier this year that she wrote the story from her “own place of truth” as a queer woman, which the cast felt added authenticity to the story.
    Stewart, who is openly bisexual, said of the LBGT romance, “I grew up watching and loving conventional movies like this. Seeing [marginalized] people loving each other in the middle of something that’s so standardized was really exhilarating and freeing.” She added, “There’s a lack of confusion and generalization Clea brings [as a queer woman]. I want people to see that two girls in love is just so fun.”
    Also starring Victor Garber, Mary Steenburgen, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza and Mary Holland among others, “Happiest Season” will be available on Hulu starting November 25.

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    'The Voice' Recap: Battle Rounds Start Tonight!

    NBC

    The first singers to go against each other in the Battle Rounds are Worth the Wait and Taryn Papa from Team Blake Shelton, who taps Kane Brown to be his guest advisor.

    Nov 10, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Season 19 of “The Voice” kicked off the Battle Rounds in the Monday, November 9 episode. The first singers to go against each other were Worth the Wait and Taryn Papa from Team Blake Shelton, who tapped Kane Brown to be his guest advisor. They sang “Little White Church” by Little Big Town and Blake had constructive criticism for both singers.
    John Legend advised Blake to pick Taryn while Gwen Stefani picked Worth the Wait. After a long deliberation, Blake decided to go with trio Worth the Wait. The next battle was between Tamara Jade and Olivia Reyes from Team John, who had Miguel as his guest advisor. They sang “Hard Place” by H.E.R. and eventually, John picked Tamara as the winner.
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    Eli Zamora and Madeline Consoer from Team Kelly Clarkson then followed it up as they performed a duet of “Nobody Wants to Be Lonely” by Ricky Martin and Christina Aguilera. The song allowed both of the singers to fully showcase their strength but the winner was Madelinne.
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    Team Gwen’s Lauren Frihauf and Payge Turner then took the stage to sing “If the World Was Ending”. It was a hard decision to make for Gwen, who said that it was “nearly impossible” for her to only choose one winner. She, however, picked Payge, which meant that Lauren was up to be grabbed by other coaches.
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    John and Blake pitched for Lauren to pick them as her new coach. Lauren eventually decided to go with John. Payton Lamar and Jus Jon, another pair from Team Blake, then performed Sam Smith and Normani Kordei’s song “Dancing with a Stranger”. Blake chose Jus Jon as the winner.
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    Rounding out the night was Sid Kingsley from Team John, who went against Bailey Rae. They did their best on their take on Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey”. It was such an exciting battle and John declared Bailey as the winner. Sid, however, wasn’t going home because Kelly stole Sid for her team.

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    Sam Neill Celebrates End of 'Jurassic World: Dominion' Filming With Sweet Note

    WENN

    After director Colin Trevorrow shared a snap from the set, the Alan Grant depicter reposts the picture with a reflection about ‘pulling off what seemed well nigh impossible.’

    Nov 10, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Sam Neill has marked the end of the “Jurassic World: Dominion” shoot with a fond farewell note.
    The 73-year-old actor reprises his role as Alan Grant in the upcoming dinosaur movie, which was shot in the U.K. amid strict Covid-19 rules and regulations. Filming came to an end on Friday, November 6, with director Colin Trevorrow sharing a snap from the set and writing: “Wrap on Jurassic World Dominion. All my gratitude to our extraordinary crew and cast. We made a family.”
    Colin added to Deadline that he has a “lot of emotions” about the end of the shoot, explaining: “I’m not sure I can put it into words. It has been remarkable. Our crew and our cast have been so resilient. All producers have worked around the clock to make it the best it can be. It has been inspiring.”

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    Sam shared Colin’s image on his Twitter page on Sunday, November 8, and added: “There were days we thought we might not make it. But we have… we pulled off what seemed well nigh impossible. Great crew. Lovely cast. Top director. Phew- and CELEBRATIONS.”

    Sam Neill reshared director Colin Trevorrow’s set photo marking the end of ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’.
    Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum also return for the latest film in the “Jurassic Park” franchise, alongside new stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.
    “Jurassic Park: Dominion” is due for release on June 10, 2022.

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    Wentworth Miller Out of ‘Prison Break’ Over Disinterest in Playing Straight Characters

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    Wentworth Miller Out of 'Prison Break' Over Disinterest in Playing Straight Characters

    WENN/FayesVision

    Dominic Purcell and Sarah Wayne Callies declare their full support and understanding after their co-star, who was known as Michael Scofield on the series, made his exit announcement.

    Nov 10, 2020
    AceShowbiz – “Prison Break” star Wentworth Miller is walking away from the hit TV drama because he’s no longer interested in playing straight characters onscreen.
    The actor rose to fame starring as Michael Scofield on the show back in 2005, portraying a man who deliberately gets himself locked up so he can execute an elaborate plan to break out his older brother, played by Dominic Purcell.
    The show ran for four seasons before it was taken off the air in 2009, but the stars later reunited for a fifth run, which aired in 2017, and in September, Purcell claimed another season was in the works.
    However, if “Prison Break” does return to TV, it will no longer feature Miller.
    The star, who ‘came out’ as a gay man in 2013, took to Instagram over the weekend (November 07-08) to break the news to fans, as he shared a lengthy post addressing the constant backlash he receives from trolls, and revealed he would be taking a step back from social medial.
    In the message, he showed his appreciation for his longtime fans, but expressed his desire to protect other LGBTQ followers from the vitriol people have regularly posted in the comments section of his page.
    “I’m not concerned for myself,” he insisted. “I can’t be ‘bullied’ in this space. I have too much power. ‘Delete. Block. Deactivate.’ Etc. But I take seriously the possibility of queer kids visiting here, recently out of the closet or exploring the idea… I don’t want them exposed to bulls**t.”
    Miller then explained his reasons for exiting “Prison Break”, “On a related note… I’m out. Of PB. Officially.”

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    “Not (because) of static on social media (although that has centered the issue). I just don’t want to play straight characters. Their stories have been told (and told),” he wrote.
    “So. No more Michael. If you were a fan of the show, hoping for additional seasons… I understand this is disappointing. I’m sorry.”
    “If you’re hot and bothered (because) you fell in love with a fictional straight man played by a real gay one… That’s your work.”

    Officials at Fox, the network behind the series, have yet to comment on the news, but his co-stars were quick to show their support.
    “It was fun mate. What a ride it was,” commented Purcell. “Fully support and understand your reasoning. Glad you have made this decision for you health and your truth. Keep the posts coming… love ya brother.”
    And cast member Sarah Wayne Callies added, “With gratitude for all the work we did together, & with deep love, I’m voicing my support for that choice.”

    “To all the fans, know this: the cast of prison break is a queer friendly space. we stand with – and among – our friends & family in the LGBTQ+ community with full throated support for their rights and artistic work. all the time. always.”

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    'The Crown' Writers Accused of Using 'a Lot of Artistic License' by Buckingham Palace Intruder

    Netflix/Sophie Mutevelian

    Weighing in on the series’ depiction of his 1982 incident, Michael Fagan denies that a conversation between him and and Queen Elizabeth II about Margaret Thatcher’s harsh policies took place.

    Nov 10, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Buckingham Palace intruder Michael Fagan has accused “The Crown” writers of using “a lot of artistic license” in their depiction of the 1982 incident.
    The then-unemployed painter and decorator broke into the London residence by climbing the railings of the grounds and finding his way through an open window. Fagan then made his way to Queen Elizabeth II’s bedroom, where he and the monarch came face-to-face.
    During the forthcoming fourth season of the Netflix royal drama, Fagan, played by Tom Brooke, is seen breaking into the Queen’s bedroom before speaking to Olivia Colman’s monarch about the harsh policies of the controversial Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher – played by Gillian Anderson.
    However, Fagan himself has denied that events happened as they are depicted on the show, telling The Telegraph newspaper that, despite initial reports that up to a half-hour conversation had occurred between the intruder and the Queen, that wasn’t the case.

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    He maintains that few words were exchanged, revealing, “I pulled back the curtain and she said, ‘What are you doing here?’ ” at which point she spoke “normally” and not in a manner that one would expect, informing him, “I’ll be back in a minute.”
    According to Fagan, she then ran from the room before footman Paul Whybrew appeared and offered him a drink of whiskey. The police then arrived to escort Fagan away.
    He also told the paper that writer Peter Morgan did not consult him in regards to the script and its depiction of the events.
    Season four of “The Crown” will follow the royals as the 1970s ends and Britain is divided by Thatcher’s policies – with Prince Charles’ romance with Lady Diana Spencer providing a welcome distraction for both the public, and the Queen, as she looks to her heir to secure the line of succession to the throne.
    It debuts on Netflix on 15 November.

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    'DWTS' Recap: Two Perfect Scores Are Earned, Celebrity Dancers Honor Music Legends on 'Icons Night'

    ABC

    The new outing of the ABC dancing competition show sees the remaining celebrity contestants celebrating some music legends, including Madonna, Britney Spears and Tupac Shakur, on ‘Icons Night’.

    Nov 10, 2020
    AceShowbiz – A new episode of “Dancing with the Stars” is here! Airing on Monday, November 9, the new outing saw the remaining celebrity contestants celebrating some music legends on “Icons Night”. The first performers that night were Justina Machado and Sasha Farber, who honored Madonna.
    The pair hit the stage to dance the Rumba to “Crazy for You”. Derek Hough called the performance a “beautiful rumba,” praising the pair over the great turns and oozy slow moments. Bruno Tonioli said they nailed “the gentle side of Madonna,” though he thought that Justina held back too much. The judges gave her 24 points.
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    Nelly and Daniella Karagach, meanwhile, danced the Jazz to “California Love” by Tupac Shakur ft. Roger Troutman & Dr. Dre. Bruno loved the routine, saying that it made him smile. However, he noted that Nelly “missed a couple of steps.” Despite a few missteps, Carrie Ann Inaba said that Nelly did a “great job” and it was such a “fun” performance. The pair earned a 24.
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    Next performers were AJ McLean and Cheryl Burke. They danced the Viennese Waltz to “Somebody to Love” by Queen. It was not AJ’s best performance, though Derek told him that he had a “beautiful” frame despite his mistakes. Bruno, meanwhile, advised AJ to soften his arms. He got 23 points.
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    Following it up were Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev. They opted to honor Britney Spears as they danced the Argentine Tango to Britney’s “Toxic”. It was such an incredible routine that Derek and Carrie gave her a standing ovation. The judges gave the pair a perfect score!
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    Later, Johnny Weir and Britt Stewart took to the stage to dance the Quickstep to Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie”. Upon watching the performance, Bruno said, “Amy would have loved that.” Carrie Ann added, “We’ve never seen a quickstep like that … You pulled it off beautifully.” Derek also loved how “clean” his technique and footwork. The pair also got a perfect score.
    Skai Jackson and Alan Bersten then danced the Paso Doble to Janet Jackson’s “If”. Carrie Ann said she was “proud” of her fierce performance. Derek also said that it was “powerful” and “confident,” though she had to watch her arms. She got 27 points.
    The episode also saw Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson dancing the Jive to Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)”. Derek loved how much “content” and “charisma” that Nev showed in his performance, though he thought that it needed more “pump.” Carrie Ann said the routine was “pleasure to watch,” but he needed to work on his toes. The judges gave him a 27.
    Later for the Dance-Off, Justina and Kaitlyn danced the Cha Cha, and the one who got the bonus points was Justina. Following it up were Skai and Nelly who danced the Salsa for their Dance-Off. Skai got the bonus points. Later, AJ got the bonus points after he won over Johnny in the Jive Dance-Off.
    It was then announced that Kaitlyn, Skai, Nev, Justina and Nelly were safe. Meanwhile, Johnny and AJ were in bottom two. Bruno saved Johnny, Derek chose to save AJ. Carrie Ann then picked Johnny. That meant AJ was eliminated!

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