Philippa Kaur

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    'Doctor Who' Makes History With Jo Martin as the First Black Doctor

    BBC America

    Revealed in the Sunday, January 26 episode of the BBC series, Martin’s character is the next incarnation of the titular character and the first black Doctor in the show’s history.
    Jan 28, 2020
    AceShowbiz – “Doctor Who” has made another bold move. A little over two years after casting its first female Time Lord, the long-running BBC series crossed another milestone by bringing in Jo Martin to play Ruth Clayton, the first black incarnation of the titular character in its 57-year history.
    The introduction to Martin’s Doctor was done on Sunday, January 26 in the episode titled “Fugitive of the Judoon”. Assuring fans that Martin’s character is not fake, showrunner Chris Chibnall told The Mirror, “The important thing to say is – she is definitively the Doctor. There’s not a sort of parallel universe going on, there’s no tricks.”
    “Jo Martin is the Doctor, that’s why we gave her the credit at the end which all new Doctors have the first time you see them. John Hurt got that credit,” the TV writer continued explaining as he referred to the time Hurt made his first appearance as War Doctor, another previously-unseen incarnation, for the show’s 50th anniversary in 2013.
    On how Martin’s character fits into the mythology, Chibnall promised, “There will be answers to some of these mysteries this series. But as ever with Doctor Who, answers often reveal new questions. It’s all very deliberate.” He added, “We’re telling an ongoing story and there are plenty of things in Doctor Who that change all the time but I’m very aware of the history and very aware of the continuity.”
    Sharing how Martin came to be the show’s newest Time Lord, Chibnall spilled that the “Fleabag” actress was recommended by director Nida Mazoor, but did not know she was auditioning for the part when she was called to read. “We called her in and she read for it – with secret pages that didn’t mention that it was the Doctor,” he recounted.
    “But she’s a massive fan of the show and I think she guessed,” the TV writer continued to dish. “I had to ring her up and tell her and she was overwhelmed and thrilled. A lot of her family are fans and she kept that secret brilliantly for so long – nobody knew. We filmed it in the middle of last year.”
    During the interview, Chibnall additionally described Martin to be “the best person for the job.” On the reason why, he explained that the “Holby City” actress has “got a brilliant combination of humour and warmth and wit and softness and steel. She’s a really exciting Doctor.”

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    Tamra Judge Unfollows ‘RHOC’ Cast Members Because She Doesn’t Want to Be Hurt

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    Tamra Judge Unfollows 'RHOC' Cast Members Because She Doesn't Want to Be Hurt

    Bravo/Tommy Garcia

    The 52-year-old reality TV star explained why she unfollowed her former co-stars on the Bravo show when she joined Andy Cohen’s Instagram Live on Monday, January 27.
    Jan 28, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Following news of her departure from “The Real Housewives of Orange County”, Tamra Judge unfollowed her former co-stars and also the show’s executive producer Andy Cohen on social media. However, she revealed that she had no bad blood with them despite the action.
    The 52-year-old explained why she did that when she joined Andy’s Instagram Live on Monday, January 27. “Why did you unfollow everyone, including me?” Andy asked Tamra, who later responded, “I actually did that when I got the news. So I got the news when I was camping. I had no (cell phone) reception.”
    “I got a text message a couple hours before I left for my camping trip that I have a production meeting, that we’re going full force, I know you haven’t gotten your contract, so I thought, ‘Ok, I’m good. I’m good right?’ ” she went on explaining.
    Tamra then continued saying that she went on her camping trip and ended up driving to a place where she could get reception to check on daughter Sophia Barney. “I drove down the street and I got a text message from production saying, ‘Call me,’ and I was a little bit in shock. And because I knew it was going to be a s**tstorm,” she said.
    “I didn’t want to read about it, I didn’t want to see it. I didn’t want to be hurt any more than I already was. So I just unfollowed everybody. It was just like my instinct. Out of sight, out of mind. I don’t have to see it. Now I’m good. I’ve accepted it,” she added. “I have two businesses, I have two houses.”
    After Tamra said that “RHOC” made her a “rich b***h,” Andy said, “Don’t cry because it’s over, just smile because it happened.”
    Tamra announced her departure on Saturday, January 25, saying, “It’s been a wild ride, and after all these years, I’m looking forward to life away from the cameras. I was offered a chance to come back to the show in a limited role, but would prefer to walk away on my own terms.” It was said that she was walking away from the Bravo reality series, and her decision was prompted by the salary pittance that’s offered to her.

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    'Bachelor' Recap: Ladies Slam Peter Weber for Inviting Alayah Back to the Show

    ABC/Jason A LaVeris

    The pilot admits to the other women that he previously felt pressured into sending Alayah home in the previous episode, so now he decides to get her to return to the show.
    Jan 28, 2020
    AceShowbiz – “The Bachelor” returned with a new episode on Monday, January 27. The new one saw Peter Weber regretting his decision to send Alayah home in the previous episode. That prompted him to try to get her back on the show, much to the other women’s dismay.
    The episode kicked off with a one-on-one between Peter and Victoria F. They spent time at an amusement park before going to a Chase Rice concert. That was uncomfortable for Victoria as she used to date Chase. At some point, Victoria pulled Chase aside to talk about the awkward encounter.
    She told him that she couldn’t lie to Peter about her past and Chase encouraged her to do what she felt was right and so she did. She freaked out, afraid that Peter wouldn’t change his mind about her after the revelation. However, Peter assured her that would not happen and he even presented her with a rose.
    During the group date with Victoria P., Kiarra, Kelly, Deandra, Madison, Lexi, Shiann, Tammy, Sydney, Hannah Ann, Savannah and Mykenna, Alayah made a return to set the record straight about her relationship with Victoria P. She said the former Miss USA contestants took a trip to Vegas together. When Peter confronted Victoria about the claim, and she admitted that was accurate before adding, “My truth is the truth.”
    Peter then shared that he previously was felt pressured into sending Alayah home. So he decided to invite her to return to the show and even gave her the group date rose. That didn’t sit well with the ladies, especially Natasha and Deandra who slammed Peter over it during the cocktail party.
    “Can I say something really quick? I’m sorry Peter, but I’ve never felt so under-recognized by somebody. And for us… who busted our ass out there on the football field and literally have the physical bruises to show, and then for you to come to the cocktail party and ignore us, half of us, who didn’t get time, and then walk in hand-in-hand with Alayah, it was like the biggest slap in the face. Like, I couldn’t even look at you,” Deandra said.
    At the end, Alayah cried as she felt like she was “literally just getting torn to shreds” by the other women.
    Also in the episode, Peter had a one-on-one date with Kelsey following the ChampagneGate. During the date, she opened up about how her parents’ divorce affected her. Peter eventually gave her a rose.

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    David Schwimmer Rallies Behind 'Friends' Amid Sexism and Homophobia Accusations

    WENN/Instar

    While calling his hit sitcom ‘groundbreaking in its time,’ the Ross Geller depicter does admit that the series was lacking in diversity, adding that he had to push for his character to date women of color.
    Jan 28, 2020
    AceShowbiz – David Schwimmer is standing up for his hit series “Friends”, following accusations the iconic series promoted sexist, homophobic and transphobic views.
    The actor, who played Ross Geller on the sitcom from 1993 to 2004, insists the “groundbreaking” show tackled important themes.
    “The truth is also that show was groundbreaking in its time for the way in which it handled so casually sex, protected sex, gay marriage and relationships,” he tells the Guardian.
    Schwimmer notes gay marriage story lines were seldom seen on primetime TV at that time, but it was front and centre in “Friends”‘ first ever episode.
    “The pilot of the show was my character’s wife left him for a woman and there was a gay wedding, of my ex and her wife, that I attended (sic),” David adds, but he accepts the show failed in some areas.
    “Maybe there should be an all-black Friends or an all-Asian Friends,” he muses. “But I was well aware of the lack of diversity and I campaigned for years to have Ross date women of colour. One of the first girlfriends I had on the show was an Asian-American woman, and later I dated African-American women. That was a very conscious push on my part.”
    “I’m very aware of my own privilege as a heterosexual white male whose parents were able to pay for a private education for me. I’ve always felt a sense of responsibility to give back and to call things out if I see an abuse of power.”

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    David Schwimmer on 'Friends' Reunion: I Just Don't Think It's Possible

    WENN/Instar

    While HBO chiefs have revealed they were in early discussions for a revival, the actor playing Ross Geller on the hit sitcom believes his castmates have all moved on.
    Jan 28, 2020
    AceShowbiz – David Schwimmer has ruled out reviving his hit sitcom “Friends” as he feels the cast have all moved on.
    Speculation the series, which ran from 1994 to 2004, could be revived has been rife since HBO chiefs revealed they were in early discussions with the cast about some form of reunion programme.
    David tells The Guardian that although he’s open to a reunion that takes the form of a chat show retrospective, he doesn’t want to reprise his role as Ross Geller – and believes colleagues Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and Lisa Kudrow feel the same.
    “I just don’t think it’s possible, given everyone’s different career trajectories,” he says. “I think everyone feels the same: why mess with what felt like the right way to end the series? I don’t want to do anything for the money. It would have to make sense creatively and nothing I’ve heard so far presented to us makes sense.”
    However, the star reveals that he and his castmates are still on good terms – with his relationship with Matt particularly strong.
    “We all had a little reunion dinner at Courteney’s house recently,” he adds. “Everyone drifts and everyone has families and gets on with it so there are different relationships among the cast, but I’m probably closest to LeBlanc on a regular basis. I’m the only one that lives in New York.”
    Reminiscing about his time on the hit sitcom, the 53-year-old recalls, “The older I get and the more my perspective shifts. The more you realise just how good you had it. That 10-year run with that particular cast, that group of writers, those directors. It was an amazing time professionally, but mostly creatively.”

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    RJ Mitte Plans to Be Drug Kingpin on 'Breaking Bad' Spin-Off Series

    AMC/Ursula Coyote

    In a new newspaper interview, the actor playing Walter White, Jr. on the drama series reveals that he has already pitched his idea to show creator Vince Gilligan.
    Jan 28, 2020
    AceShowbiz – “Breaking Bad” actor RJ Mitte is plotting a spin-off series for his character Walter, Jr.
    The 2019 Netflix movie “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie” appeared to mark the end of Walter White’s drug dynasty, but his onscreen son wants to continue his dad’s work with his own spin-off show.
    Speaking to Britain’s The Sun newspaper, Mitte revealed he’s already pitched his idea about becoming the new Heisenberg — the alias Walter used as a meth kingpin — to “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan.
    “He is his father’s son in a way of his actions and his moralities of what he’s going to do would be right for his family,” he said. “I think for us it would be a very hard life after what Heisenberg did to his family and I think that stigma would carry.”
    “But I would like to see Walt, Jr. being a gangster.”
    “Breaking Bad” originally aired for five seasons from 2008 to 2013, and starred Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Anna Gunn. It also spawned the spin-off prequel series, “Better Call Saul”, which debuted in 2015 and releases its fifth season next month (February 2020).

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    Carey Mulligan Joins Stars and Filmmakers in Alternative BAFTAs Campaign

    WENN/Brian To

    Days leading to the BAFTA Film Awards, the ‘Suffragette’ star and many other British actresses team up with Time’s Up U.K. to call on fans to celebrate those who they feel wrongly missed out.
    Jan 28, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Carey Mulligan and Amma Asante are among the stars and filmmakers who have launched a social media campaign to recognise women and people of colour overlooked at this year’s BAFTA Film Awards.
    Bosses at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts came under fire after the nominations were announced earlier this month, as no actors of colour were nominated for main prizes, and the Best Director shortlist was all male.
    Ahead of Sunday’s (February 02) ceremony, Carey, Amma and others have teamed up with equality organisation Time’s Up UK to call on fans to celebrate those who they feel wrongly missed out – and would have bagged a nomination on a more diverse shortlist.
    Nominating her choice for the Best Director gong, Carey said in a press release, “I would give a BAFTA nomination to Lorene Scafaria for Hustlers,” while Belle director Amma complained that the Lena Waithe penned thriller “Queen & Slim”, missed out.
    “My pick for Best Actress in a Leading Role for this year’s BAFTA Film Awards is Jodie Turner-Smith in ‘Queen & Slim’,” she added.
    Similarly Gemma Arterton believed Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut “Booksmart” was overlooked, saying, “I loved Booksmart and can’t believe it didn’t get any nods, especially for the acting and first-time director. Same goes for ‘The Nightingale’ and ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’.”
    Joely Richardson meanwhile, expressed her disappointment that her mother Vanessa Redgrave didn’t get a Best Supporting Actress nod for “Mrs Lowry & Son”.
    Akua Gyamfi, founder of The British Blacklist entertainment platform also listed a host of actors of colour who she felt deserved recognition, including Lupita Nyong’o, Cynthia Erivo, Daniel Kaluuya, and Damson Idris.
    Explaining the rationale behind the intervention, Time’s Up UK Chair Heather Rabbatts said: “Time’s Up wants to ensure we do not let these awards pass by without us raising the profile of those whose endeavours and performances have not made it to the nominations. So, we are running a social media campaign which will highlight those who are absent and who we also want to see recognised.”

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    Stephen King Admits to 'Stepping Over the Line' With Controversial Oscars Diversity Comments

    WENN

    Having sparked an outcry on social media for suggesting quality was far more important than diversity, the bestselling novelist clarifies his statement through an op-ed for the Washington Post.
    Jan 28, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Horror author Stephen King is clarifying comments he made about the lack of Oscars diversity in a new essay, during which he admits he “stepped over the line”.
    Earlier this month (January 2020), the writer took to Twitter, as critics took aim at Oscars bosses over the lack of women and actors and artists of colour who were nominated for the 2020 Academy Awards’ top honours, and appeared to suggest quality was far more important than diversity.
    “As a writer, I am allowed to nominate in just 3 categories: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Screenplay,” he wrote. “For me, the diversity issue – as it applies to individual actors and directors, anyway – did not come up. That said…”.
    He followed that up with another tweet, adding: “I would never consider diversity in matters of art. Only quality. It seems to me that to do otherwise would be wrong.”
    The statement prompted an outcry on social media, as famous faces like director Ava DuVernay scolded King for brushing aside such an important issue.
    Now the writer has addressed his statement in an op-ed for the Washington Post, published on Monday, January 27, and he insists he did not intent to spark outrage.
    He wrote: “I stepped over one of those lines recently by saying something on Twitter that I mistakenly thought was noncontroversial: ‘I would never consider diversity in matters of art. Only quality. It seems to me that to do otherwise would be wrong’. The subject was the Academy Awards.”
    “I also said, in essence, that those judging creative excellence should be blind to questions of race, gender or sexual orientation… I did not say that was the case today, because nothing could be further from the truth. Nor did I say that films, novels, plays and music focusing on diversity and/or inequality cannot be works of creative genius. They can be, and often are.”
    “Ava DuVernay’s 2019 Netflix miniseries, ‘When They See Us’, about the wrongful convictions of the Central Park Five, is a splendid case in point.”
    King concluded: “We don’t live in that perfect world, and this year’s less-than-diverse Academy Awards nominations once more prove it. Maybe someday we will. I can dream, can’t I? After all, I make stuff up for a living.”

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