Celebrities

The new Harry Potter actor, Scottish star Dominic McLaughlin, has given his “honest” opinion on the J.K. Rowling franchise amid filming for the upcoming HBO series21:04, 19 Aug 2025The new Harry Potter actor has exposed his “honest” opinion on the film franchise.Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin has spoken about being cast in the iconic role for HBO‘s upcoming series adaptation. At 11, he is the same age Daniel Radcliffe was when he took on the role of Harry Potter in the Philosopher’s Stone.Dominic said: “[It’s been] A bit surreal to be honest, because I was always a huge Harry Potter fan when I was younger and it was like the dream role, of course, so I’m thrilled to be able to be doing it!”He plays alongside Arabella Stanton, who stars as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The young trio were selected from more than 30,000 actors who auditioned last year.Actor Nick Frost will play Hagrid in the new series, which is currently in production and is set to premiere on HBO in 2027. Francesca Gardiner, who has worked on His Dark Materials and Killing Eve is writer, with Succession’s Mark Mylod directing.Dominic McLaughlin has taken the reins from Daniel Radcliffe(Image: AP)Article continues belowHBO revealed a first look of McLaughlin as Potter last month, complete with his Hogwarts robes and the character’s signature round glasses, while the first photo of Frost as the lovable half-giant Hagrid was released soon after.The pair were totally transformed into their respective Potter characters as they filmed scenes in London’s Borough High Street in the early hours of the morning. As if by magic, the film crews turned the area into Diagon Alley, the secret wizarding high street featured in the books and films.Actor Nick Frost will be playing Hagrid in the HBO series reboot(Image: WireImage)Nick looked unrecognisable with Hagrid’s bushy hair and beard, sporting the Hogwarts teacher’s long brown coat over several layers. Walking next to Nick was Dominic, who looked adorable in a navy, green and yellow rain jacket and backpack.Fans of the Potter franchise will know that Harry goes shopping with Hagrid in Diagon Alley in order to get his wand and school books before starting at Hogwarts School. It’s clear these were the scenes being shot as Harry and Hagrid were spotted walking down the magical alley and “shopping” for Harry’s wizarding essentials.Article continues belowJoin the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots moreThe Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!Through the app, we’ll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.To join our community, all you have to do to join isclick on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in!No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.CLICK HERE TO JOINHave you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz hereWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter More

Singer Dua Lipa has hinted that she has some kind of supernatural power and recently admitted that she has to be “very, very cautious” when dealing with her skills20:47, 19 Aug 2025Dua Lipa thinks she has a very special power.The singer, 29, reckons everything she writes becomes reality and told Harper’s Bazaar: “I have this firm belief that whatever I write comes true, so I’m always very, very cautious about the things that I write.””I’m not trying to put some crazy energy into the world. I’m trying to just be light and have fun and share my experiences.”Dua explained that once she “puts something out into the world” it “no longer belongs to her,” saying: “You make the thing that you love; you make the thing that you’re passionate about and you’re proud of. You put it out in the world and you have to put your hands up.”Meanwhile a ‘real’ witch has spilled the beans on the one spell she won’t touch with a barge pole – insisting “it’s wrong”. Lindsay Squire, 41, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has been a practising witch for nearly 18 years and casts spells for everything from protection to money and abundance.Dua recently spoke to Harper’s Bazaar about her witchy skills(Image: PR Supplied)Article continues belowLindsay is often bombarded by folks begging her to make their crush fall head over heels for them, but she stands firm: “It’s wrong to try to make someone love you – they should want that themselves”.She dismisses Hollywood’s portrayal of witches as ‘Wicked Witch of the West-types’ with green skin, warts and a hooked nose. Instead, Lindsay practises a nature-based craft that leans heavily on intuition and tarot.The singer takes special care when writing things down(Image: PR Supplied)As a “green witch” – a devotee of plants and nature – Lindsay won’t entertain ‘manipulative’ love spells, championing instead realistic magic that fosters personal growth. She posed the question: “Would you want someone to do a spell on you to force your feelings? I won’t cross that line.””I get at least one message every day from someone on Instagram asking if I would cast a love spell for them, and it usually involves making someone fall in love with them in some form or another. This kind of magic is manipulative and unethical, and could be making someone do something they would not do unless the spell is cast upon them.”Dua claims that everything she writes “comes true”(Image: PR Supplied)Lindsay spells magic with a “K” at the end to distinguish between witchcraft magick and stage magic, such as pulling a rabbit out of a hat or sawing someone in half, and is on a mission to change how people perceive modern witches.Her journey into witchcraft began in 2008, sparked by a powerful spiritual pull after frequent visits to psychic mediums during her teenage years. Lindsay’s initiation into the craft was driven more by a profound bond with nature than any fantastical powers.Article continues belowJoin the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots moreThe Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!Through the app, we’ll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.To join our community, all you have to do to join isclick on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in!No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.CLICK HERE TO JOINHave you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz hereWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter More

Fans of Downton Abbey are currently waiting for the franchise’s third film to release, but in the meantime there’s another period drama that some consider far better…19:53, 19 Aug 2025An ITV period drama has received high praise from seriously impressed viewers.Fans of Downton Abbey, who eagerly await the third and final film, now have a new period drama to sink their teeth into – and some already think it is far superior than its predecessor, reports the Express.Set in the 1920s on the Italian Riviera, Hotel Portofino has quickly become a must-see drama and favourite thanks to its themes of luxury, scandal and jaw-dropping scenery.The series centres around Bella Ainsworth, played by Natascha McElhone, the daughter of a wealthy industrialist who leaves England to run a posh hotel in Italy. However, life on the Riviera is anything but straightforward.Hotel Portofino has been compared to the iconic BBC drama Downton Abbey(Image: UKTV)Bella has to deal with high-maintenance guests, cunning politicians and her unfaithful husband Cecil, who is more interested in arranging a beneficial marriage for their son than supporting Bella.Article continues belowMuch like Downton Abbey, the series delves into the trials and tribulations of a rich family set against a tumultuous political backdrop but instead of Yorkshire’s countryside and grand manors, viewers are transported to the Mediterranean sunshine.The first season followed Bella as she struggled to keep the hotel running amidst staff shortages and political blackmail. The second season upped the ante as Bella anticipated her son’s return only to be caught off guard when her husband shows up unexpectedly and jeopardises her plans.Downton Abbey fans can’t wait for the franchise’s third and final film(Image: BBC)Fans have been quick to praise on the series online and one person wrote: “Absolutely delightful! Beautiful production with the right clothes, sets, furniture, etc. I’m only on episode two but already obsessed.”Another said: “I loved it. The costumes and scenes are gorgeous. Hotel Portofino is pure escapism,” while some people have admitted they consider the show “better than Downton Abbey”.Hotel Portofino is available to stream on ITVX and BritBox.Join the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots moreThe Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!Through the app, we’ll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.To join our community, all you have to do to join isclick on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in!No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.CLICK HERE TO JOINHave you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz hereArticle continues belowWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter More

Hollyoaks actor Callum Kerr, whose mother and stepfather were found dead in France earlier this year, has begged friends of his mum “please do not attend” his stepfather’s funeral19:07, 19 Aug 2025Actor Callum Kerr’s mother and stepfather were found dead back in February(Image: Lime Pictures)Hollyoaks and Netflix star Callum Kerr have issued a statement begging people not to attend his stepfather’s funeral.Callum’s mother Dawn and his stepfather Andrew died earlier this year while in France after neighbours grew worried about their whereabouts. Dawn, 56, as found lying outside the front door of the property with jewellery scattered throughout the scene and flipped furniture elsewhere in the building.Andrew, 62, was found hanged with a gag in his mouth. It was initially believed that the couple had been involved in a staged robbery, but detectives later suspected that Andrew killed Dawn before killing himself.Callum and his sister Amanda have released a statement urging people not to attend the upcoming funeral. The actor, who has appeared in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and Netflix’s Virgin River, penned a joint message with his sibling and said: “In the absence of any evidence suggesting third-party involvement in the tragic death of our mother, Dawn Kerr, the prevailing hypothesis remains that of a murder-suicide.”Dawn was found dead with her husband, Callum’s stepfather Andrew(Image: Instagram)”Our mother was killed by multiple blows to the head and Andrew was found deceased by hanging. His injuries are consistent with self-hanging and no defensive wounds were found on his body.”Article continues belowThey said that there is “also no evidence whatsoever of any third party’s involvement at this stage,” and went on to say that while the investigation is “still ongoing,” they “cannot ignore the circumstances as they stand.”The actor issued a joint statement with his sister ahead of Dawn’s funeral(Image: callum_kerr_1/Instagram)”For this reason, we must respectfully but firmly request that our mother not be included in any way in the funeral arrangements being made for Andrew. Please do not share photographs of them together.”The siblings then asked: “Please do not attend Andrew’s service if you were a friend of our mother. It would be inappropriate for her memory to be associated with a service honouring the man who, based on all available evidence, may have been responsible for her death.”Callum and Amanda urged those who were friends with Dawn not to attend Andrew’s funeral(Image: Facebook)”We ask for understanding, privacy and respect as we continue to grieve and seek justice for our mum.”Back in 2023, Andrew and Dawn tied the knot and Callum walked her down the aisle, writing online that it was a “pleasure” to do so. The couple had previously moved to southern France ten years ago and reportedly held dinner parties and get-togethers for their friends and neighbours.Join the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots moreThe Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!Through the app, we’ll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.To join our community, all you have to do to join isclick on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in!No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.CLICK HERE TO JOINArticle continues belowHave you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz hereWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter More

The Chase star Anne Hegerty has shared her thoughts on a health concern flagged by a doctor, as well as her recent weight loss journey18:44, 19 Aug 2025Anne Hegerty overhauled her health after a warning from her doctor(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)The Chase’s Anne Hegerty has received a medical alert regarding prediabetes from her doctor. In a recent chat, the quiz expert disclosed she’s dropped approximately 30lbs, though insists this wasn’t achieved through any specific regime.Nevertheless, Anne revealed her doctor has recommended medication that might boost her wellbeing, something she’s mulling over.”I’m not doing anything deliberately, except I did think to myself that I needed to get more active, because I really don’t want much and I should do more of that,” she explained.”I also need to do more stretches, because I’ve got no core strength and I think actually that may be a good idea.”She told Yours Magazine: “My doctor said to me about me being prediabetic and suggested something like Ozempic and I told him I’d think about it, but I’m only thinking about it.”Anne Hegerty spoke out about her warning from a doctor(Image: ITV)Article continues belowThe 67-year-old explained the medic proposed this approach to help her “stave off diabetes”, noting: “I think I’m OK, but I’ll bear it in mind.”Anne’s slimming transformation reportedly commenced during her appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2018.Surviving on meagre rations in the jungle, the brainbox allegedly shed a stone in merely three weeks and has continued losing weight since.During an appearance on the Jeremy Vine show in 2019, Anne acknowledged that whilst she’s “not a fit fat person”, she’s “not unhealthy”, though voiced her desire to become “fitter”.More recently, she playfully suggested that having cash had triggered improved dietary choices. Speaking to Bella magazine, Anne revealed: “Some people have said that [she’s lost weight], but I haven’t been doing anything deliberate.Anne Hegerty pictured in 2019(Image: GETTY)”I do find I’m not as hungry these days – it’s to do with being rich (laughs). It’s brilliant – I love being rich!”.”It just means I have this sense of security, and do I need to eat this? Am I hungry right now?”.”I might be hungry later, so let’s put it aside and I can come back and eat it up.”Anne, who previously revealed she was on benefits before securing a job on The Chase, claimed she was “hungrier” when she was “poor”.”You feel hungrier, and that’s why poor people eat more, and they eat fattening stuff,” she told the publication.Anne Hegerty is ‘thinking about’ weight loss jabs after a doctor’s warning(Image: GETTY)What is pre-diabetes?Numerous individuals have blood sugar levels that exceed the normal range, yet aren’t elevated enough for a diabetes diagnosis. This condition is referred to as non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, or pre-diabetes.Those with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia face an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, though this risk can be minimised through lifestyle modifications, the NHS states.The most common types of diabetesType 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.Type 2 diabetes is where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin properly Gestational diabetes is diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. It affects women who haven’t been affected by diabetes before, and it usually goes away after giving birth.What is Ozempic?Ozempic is not prescribed as a weight loss drug. It is medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes, which, along with diet and exercise, may improve blood sugar.Diabetes.org.uk states: “Ozempic, a brand name for semaglutide, belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 agonists – these can also be called GLP-1 analogues, GLP-1 RAs and incretin mimetics.Article continues below”There are several different GLP-1 agonists available in the UK. Ozempic is a treatment for type 2 diabetes, which can help you to manage blood sugar levels. You can take it on its own or with other diabetes medications such as metformin, sulphonylureas or insulin.”If you are concerned about diabetes, speak to your doctor. More

Although Hi-De-Hi! came off air in 1989, Su still gets people recognise her as Peggy in the street and she even gets children knock on her front door asking to meet Peggy18:05, 19 Aug 2025People still ask after Peggy(Image: BBC)Su Pollard says Hi-De-Hi! fans still knock on her door and ask to meet Peggy – so she dresses up as her character to make them happy.The 75-year-old actress became one of the most beloved stars on TV thanks to her role as Maplins holiday camp chalet maid Peggy Ollerenshaw in the 1980s BBC sitcom created by legendary comedy writers Jimmy Perry and David Croft.Although Hi-De-Hi! came off air in 1989, Su still gets people recognise her as Peggy in the street and she even gets children knock on her front door asking to meet Peggy.Appearing on the Rosebud podcast, she said: “In the street it’ll be, ‘It’s my wife’s birthday, you couldn’t just say Hi-de-Hi it’s Peggy Ollerenshaw here.’ Yes I don’t mind doing that.Su still gets people recognise her as Peggy(Image: Getty Images)“Sometimes I’ll go and open a fete and I’ll always do Hi-de-Hi.Article continues below“But some people find out where you live and they’ll knock on the door and they’re young, they’re about eight, and they’ll say, ‘Can I speak to Peggy?’”I’ll say, ‘She’s not in, she’s at Maplins today, but come back tomorrow.’ ‘Oh, I’ll come back then, what time shall I come back?’ I’ll go, ‘Come back about eleven.’“So I’ll put my Peggy outfit on. So they think Peggy lives there. I had to stop because I had eight of them, it went round the school.“I thought, ‘I can’t keep coming to the door twice a week as Peggy.’”Su Pollard, Paul Shane and Ruth Madoc from the BBC 1 TV comedy(Image: BBC)Su – who also went on to star in Croft and Perry’s sitcom You Rang, M’Lord? – will forever be grateful for her role as Peggy because it made her career.Article continues belowShe said: “I didn’t audition, I just did a chat. Basically, I was lucky.“When I went to the local market, ‘Eh up Peggy, I hope you get your coat, we’re all rooting for you.’ I thought, ‘How nice is that.’ People were staring to be aware of these different characters.”I started to have more scenes in the show, David and Jimmy were very good and very fair, everybody had their episode. I suppose it was because she was a bit of an underdog and a bit barmy.” More

Other stars in the running include Claudia Winkleman, Alison Hammond and Stacey Solomon and the ex England striker Gary has won a string of honours over the years17:58, 19 Aug 2025Gary Lineker’s nomination has not got down well with everyone but never forget his heroics in 1986 and 1990 World Cups(Image: Michael Regan – FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)Gary Lineker is at the centre of a new storm after being shortlisted for the National Television Awards.The star, 64, is up for the TV Presenter gong despite his exit from the BBC being marred by controversy. It is the first time he’s had a nod since 2017.Scores of telly fans are furious he is in the running for the top prize. One said: “It feels like they are trolling us at this point.” Another said: “Oh that pillock.”But many fans are backing him with one saying: “Good he’s shortlisted… great personality & sense of humour, and relaxed style.” And one said: “I’m not a fan but I do hope he wins.”Another vowed to vote for him as “a small symbol of solidarity”. Former Match of the Day host Gary is likely to lose to Ant and Dec at the awards on September 10 as the duo have won the gong for the past 23 years.Article continues belowGary Lineker is set for new role on ITV(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)Other stars in the running include Claudia Winkleman, Alison Hammond and Stacey Solomon. Gary has won a string of honours over the years including an Honorary Masters of Arts from Loughborough University but he has never won a high profile gong for presenting.Since quitting the BBC, he has signed a big-money deal to front a new game show for rival broadcaster ITV. Gary said he “can’t wait” to helm The Box.Article continues belowThe format features 10 yellow containers, each housing a celebrity participant who gets whisked away to mystery destinations before being unleashed to tackle whatever challenge lies beyond the door.Weekly episodes will culminate in The Duel, where two competitors square off in a decisive showdown that sees the defeated contestant eliminated permanently from the series.Lineker, who had anchored Match Of The Day since 1999, delivered a heartfelt farewell during his premature BBC departure on May 26. His exit came after a social media controversy when he shared content about Zionism that included imagery of a rodent, a symbol with historical antisemitic connotations. More

Stacey Solomon recently took her family on a luxury holiday to a very swanky retreat in Turkey and “spent the first part of her holiday” with Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury17:49, 19 Aug 2025Stacey Solomon has broken her silence after facing backlash over a lavish family holiday spent with Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury.She recently departed Pickle Cottage for a well-deserved getaway with her husband Joe Swash and their five youngsters, offering fans online a glimpse into their summer escape at the posh £1,000-per-night Regnum Carya hotel in Turkey.The accommodation allows visitors to select from luxury villas featuring private pools, swim-up quarters and family suites. During her Turkish adventure, Stacey bumped into Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury but some fans at home were less than impressed with her extravagant holiday.Social media critics have harshly branded her as ‘smug’, so Stacey hit back at those who luxury break as a “freebie”, reports the Mirror.One disgruntled commenter posted: “So another well subsidised holiday for the entire family. It makes me throw up,” while other remarks included: “The seriously smug family,” and simply: “Annoying family.”Stacey took a trip away with husband Joe Swash and their kids(Image: Stacey Solomon/Instagram)Article continues belowStacey took to Instagram to address the speculation and explained: “Now we’re going home I’ve tagged the hotel for all of you asking and I’ll share my little ‘spend the day with us’ and show you around everywhere. This is the third time I’ve come back here.””This wasn’t a free holiday. I just love this place so much and think it deserves the BEST reviews and tags ever because it’s just incredible. It is very expensive. I do think it is worth every penny and more for what it has to offer.”Stacey spent some of her holiday with Molly-Mae, Tommy and Bambi(Image: Instagram/staceysolomon)Molly-Mae Hague, Tommy Fury and their 2 year old daughter Bambi also jetted off to Turkey for some sunshine and Stacey confessed that she’d ‘fallen in love’ with them after encountering the trio at dinner one evening.Stacey posted a selfie with the Maebe founder on her Instagram and wrote: “Got to spend the first part of our holiday with @mollymae, @tommyfury and Bambi. Bumped into them at dinner one night and fell in love.”The influencer family were also on holiday at the same time(Image: Instagram)”Genuinely the nicest, most down to earth family. And Bambi omg I can’t. Just the most kind hearted little one. Rose was gutted when she left! Can’t wait for them to come to Pickle Cottage”.Another snap captured her two elder sons striking poses alongside boxer Tommy Fury as they made fists for the photograph. Stacey wrote: “Boys were buzzing”.Article continues belowJoin the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots moreThe Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!Through the app, we’ll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.To join our community, all you have to do to join isclick on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in!No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.CLICK HERE TO JOINHave you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz hereWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter More