Showbiz

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was seen wiping tears away from his face during a particularly poignant moment with his The Smashing Machine co-star Emily Blunt16:09, 03 Sep 2025Updated 16:11, 03 Sep 2025Dwayne Johnson receives standing ovation at Venice Film FestivalDwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has been spotted crying.The Hollywood icon attended a screening of his new film The Smashing Machine at the Venice Film Festival and when the film ended, Johnson received a 15 minute standing ovation from everyone in the room which left him teary eyed. The Moana actor wiped away his tears as she smiled at the applauding onlookers.During a press conference at the event, Dwayne admitted that he had been “really hungry” for the role which is vastly different to his usual work.He said: “I’ve been very fortunate to have the career that I’ve had over the years and make the films that I’ve made, but there was this voice inside of me, the little voice: ‘What if? What if I could do more? I want to do more. What does that look like?'”Dwayne and co-star Emily Blunt were seen sharing an emotional moment(Image: x)”You chase the box office and the box office, in our business that we know, is very loud and it can be very resounding and it can push you into a category and into a corner.””‘This is your lane and this is what you do and this is what people want you to be and this what Hollywood wants you to be.’ I understood that, and I made those movies and I liked them and they were fun.”Dwayne wiped away his tears as the crowd applauded(Image: x)However, the actor couldn’t shake the feeling that he wanted to try something new: “I just had this burning desire and this voice that was saying, ‘What if? What if there is more? What if I can?'”The actor has been keen to deviate away from his usual roles(Image: BANG Showbiz)”A lot of times it’s harder for us, or at least for me, to know what you’re capable of when you’ve been pigeonholed into something.”Fans are predicting that his role in The Smashing Machine will earn him an Oscar nomination. The biographical sports drama stars Dwayne as MMA fighter Mark Kerr alongside Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s then-wife Dawn Staples Ryan Bader, Bas Ruten and Oleksandr Usyk.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

Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas broke down after a pigeon visited his home, which the actor believes is the reincarnated spirit of his late father Dougie James15:29, 03 Sep 2025Ryan Thomas says his dad has ‘come back’ as a birdCoronation Street actor Ryan Thomas has been left in tears after a touching moment with a pigeon.The soap star took to Instagram to reveal his extraordinary bond with the bird and broke down as he held it, convinced the animal is his late father Dougie James reincarnated.The actor was devastated when his father passed away in 2020 and the same pigeon has been popping round to Ryan’s house for several days running. On 2 September, the 41 year old jumped onto Instagram to share his remarkable theory.The bird had been calling on them repeatedly and even attempted to get inside the house whilst he was out: “You are not going to believe this. I’ve gone out with the kids all day today,” reports the Mirror.Ryan broke down when he realised the pigeon had returned”Lucy’s [Mecklenburgh] been at home. She calls me at 5 o’clock and she says: ‘I could hear tap tap tap tap tap at the back window.’ I said: ‘No, please tell me you’re lying’ and she sends me a video of my dad. My dad came back. He was trying to fly into the windows, try and get in.”Ryan then posted a photograph of the pigeon next to his father’s track Still with the caption: “Don’t know what’s going on here but I’m so connected to him,” even noting that the bird’s markings bore an uncanny resemblance to his dad’s moustache.Ryan and his brothers Scott and Adam lost Dougie James [left] back in 2020Ryan then rang psychic Sally Morgan for guidance and when questioned whether the pigeon could indeed be Dougie, she gave an emphatic yes. Lucy Mecklenburgh also took to Instagram to share her astonishment at the bird’s return as they’d embarked on a five-hour drive from their Essex home to return the pigeon to its owner in Manchester just the day before.The Corrie actor was startled to see that the pigeon had come back to their houseShe said: “We spent five hours in a car with a pigeon that when we arrived flew away anyway! We let him out the cage and then he flew away but now he’s back.”She hinted at her less than thrilled reaction to the situation: “I just don’t see myself as someone with a pigeon enclosure in my garden,” while Ryan was over the moon about his father’s return and couldn’t hold back the tears while holding the bird.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

Steve Irwins daughter Bindi Irwin shared a huge ‘life update’ with her fans on social media this week, and it’s about to change everything for the young conservationist14:45, 03 Sep 2025Steve Irwin’s daughter Bindi left people stunned with her announcement(Image: Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images for Endometriosis Foundation of America)Bindi Irwin, the 27-year-old daughter of beloved Crocodile Hunter legend Steve Irwin and his widow Terri Irwin, has practically spent her whole existence residing at Australia Zoo alongside her family, including younger brother Robert Irwin. Even after marrying Chandler Powell in 2020 and giving birth to daughter Grace in 2021, the clan continued to make the zoo their permanent residence.But in a shocking “life update” clip posted to Instagram this week, Bindi delivered earth-shattering news to her followers – she’s officially relocated from Australia to a flat in Los Angeles, US. She didn’t reveal whether her spouse has accompanied her on the move, though her little girl is making the journey to the vibrant American metropolis.Bindi’s supporters were stunned by the unexpected revelation, yet the wildlife advocate assured them the relocation isn’t forever. Rather, she’s settling in LA for the coming three months, chiefly to champion her brother Robert as he takes on Dancing with the Stars.In her clip, she explained: “I have a little life update for you: we are officially moved to Los Angeles. It’s not forever, but for the next three months. Australia Zoo will always be home.”We are here to support my incredible brother on Dancing with the Stars.”Content cannot be displayed without consentBindi previously participated in the American edition of Strictly Come Dancing roughly a decade ago at just 17 years old and successfully claimed victory, so she’s now determined to cheer her sibling on towards his own championship triumph.She continued: “It was about 10 years ago that I competed on Dancing with the Stars here in America, and I actually won with my amazing partner Derek [Hough]. It was a life-changing experience that I will always be super grateful for, and now my little brother is going to be on the show!”I can’t wait to support him and cheer him on every week in the audience. He is going to shine, and I know in my heart that he’s going to make it far, because he is such a fantastic human being.”Alongside her post, she penned: “If you’re wondering who will be cheering the loudest in the audience, it will definitely be me and Grace. She has already chosen all her dresses to wear in the ballroom audience each week.”Bindi’s followers lauded her for making the journey to back her brother. Robert himself and their mum, Terri, also chimed in on the video, expressing their excitement for the upcoming dance contest.Robert responded: “So excited! Thanks for supporting me with every new adventure!”.Article continues belowTerri added: “We’ll be watching from September 16!”.One admirer remarked: “So sweet to see a brother and sister so close. Steve would be so proud. We will be watching.”Another fan posted, “Thank you for being the best big sister to your incredible little brother. We can’t wait to watch him dance every week!” More

The Indecent Proposal star has said she has had to let go of the person her husband used to be and accept the new and different sides to him, amid his battle with the condition13:51, 03 Sep 2025Updated 13:51, 03 Sep 2025Bruce Willis and Demi Moore were married for 13 years(Image: Getty Images For Comedy Central)Actress Demi Moore has confessed how “difficult” it has been to watch ex-husband Bruce Willis struggle with dementia.The 70-year-old star of the Die Hard flicks was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in February 2023. Demi admitted it had been hard watching someone who was “so vibrant and strong” change.But she added there was an “incredible sweetness” to the person that he had become.She told The Oprah Podcast: “It’s difficult. It’s hard to see somebody who was so vibrant and strong and so directed shift into this other parts of themself.“But, my particular perspective is, one, I really always say it’s so important just to meet them where they’re at. Don’t have an expectation of them needing to be who they were or who you want them to be.Bruce is now largely non-verbal(Image: INSTAGRAM)“And when you do that I find that there is an incredible sweetness and something that’s soft and tender and loving. Perhaps it is more playful and childlike in certain sense because of how much more caretaking they need.”Demi – who was married to Bruce between 1987 and 2000 – is determined to be “present” for the actor.The Hollywood star – who has Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31, with Bruce – said: “If you replay where it was and what you’ve lost, it only creates anxiety and grief.“So when you stay present, there is so much — and there’s still so much of him there. And it may not always be verbal, but it is beautiful, given the givens.”Demi has also expressed her support for Bruce’s current wife, Emma Heming Willis.Bruce’s wife Emma is now caring for the actor(Image: ANGELA WEISS, AFP via Getty Images)Emma has explored her experiences with Bruce in a new book called The Unexpected Journey: Finding Hope and Purpose on the Caregiving Path, and Demi claims that she’s “done a masterful job” in caring for the actor.She said: “There is no road map for how to deal with this.“So much fell on Emma to really figure this whole thing out.Article continues below“And the most beautiful thing, and she talks about this in the book, was recognising the importance for caregivers that they have to take care of themselves … I really think she’s done a masterful job.” More

Bruce Willis’ ex-wife Demi Moore has spoken out after his wife Emma Heming Willis made the tough decision to move the Die Hard actor into a separate home13:44, 03 Sep 2025Bruce Willis’ ex-wife Demi Moore has addressed his wife Emma Heming Willis’ decision to move him into a separate home amid his dementia battle.Emma has stood beside the Hollywood legend since he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia two years ago. Emma has also been keeping supporters informed about his ongoing health struggle.She took on caring responsibilities but faced criticism when she disclosed that she had placed him in a care facility, where he is now residing in a nearby property with round-the-clock carers, reports the Mirror.Emma confessed: “It was one of the hardest decisions that I’ve had to make so far, but I knew, first and foremost, Bruce would want that for our daughters. You know, he would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs.”Bruce and his wife Emma tied the knot back in 2009(Image: ANGELA WEISS, AFP via Getty Images)His ex-wife Demi Moore has since backed her choices and opened up about the decision during a chat on Oprah Winfrey’s podcast: “There is no road map for how to deal with this. Obviously, being the ex-wife, even though our family is very connected, is an interesting position.””So much fell on Emma to really figure this whole thing out. The most beautiful thing, and she talks about this in the book, was recognising the importance for caregivers, that they have to take care of themselves. If they don’t put that time into making sure that they’re okay they can’t show up for anyone else.”The actors divorced back in the year 2000(Image: Getty Images For Comedy Central)Demi continued: “I have so much compassion for Emma in this, being a young woman. There’s no way that anybody could have anticipated where this was going to go. I really think she’s done a masterful job.”She has been so dedicated to forging the right path. She’s had equal amounts of fear and strength and courage in navigating this. I think that this book is gonna really be very helpful for a lot of people who are walking through this.”Bruce and Demi share three children(Image: Bruce Glikas, FilmMagicvia Getty Images)Bruce’s family has remained a solid unit while navigating his illness. Demi and Bruce are parents to daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallulah and have maintained their friendship following their divorce.Emma and Bruce are parents to daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11.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

Melvyn Bragg has announced he is stepping down from BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time after 26 years in the role, and the star will be sorely missed by fans and fellow cast members13:21, 03 Sep 2025Updated 13:27, 03 Sep 2025Fans of the BBC show will miss the star(Image: Getty Images)BBC Radio 4 legend Melvyn Bragg has departed In Our Time following more than 1,000 episodes at the helm of the acclaimed programme.The broadcaster, who dedicated 26 years to the show, will bid farewell this week whilst remaining with BBC Radio 4 in other capacities.Bragg reflected: “For a programme with a wholly misleading title which started from scratch with a six-month contract, it’s been quite a ride. I have worked with many extremely talented and helpful people inside the BBC as well as some of the greatest academics around the world.”It’s been a great privilege and pleasure. I much look forward to continuing to work for the BBC on Radio 4. Thank you for listening.”Melvyn has starred on the show for 26 years(Image: Mirrorpix)Bragg has been at the programme’s helm since its debut in 1998, reports the Mirror.In Our Time delves into an extensive array of historical, scientific and philosophical subjects and ranks among Radio 4’s most triumphant discussion shows.BBC Director General Tim Davie praised his contribution, saying: “Melvyn’s passion for the arts, his intellectual curiosity, and his unwavering commitment to public service broadcasting over the last 60-plus years have enriched the lives of millions.”Through In Our Time on Radio 4 he has brought depth, insight, and humanity to our airwaves every single week for more than a quarter of a century. He leaves behind not just an extraordinary body of work, but a gold standard of broadcasting and interviewing excellence that will inspire generations to come.”The news was announced today(Image: PA)Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4, disclosed: “Melvyn has been part of the heartbeat of Radio 4 for over three decades.”His fierce intellect, coupled with a wonderful curiosity and extraordinary passion for knowledge marks him out as one of the broadcasting greats.”Though we will miss him on In Our Time, he leaves behind a unique legacy: the treasure trove of over 1,000 archive episodes, which are a wonderful resource for all those with a love of learning. I look forward to working with him on new projects for Radio 4.”Bragg began his BBC career in 1961 as a general trainee, quickly progressing to the World Service.He also spent a decade at the helm of Radio 4’s Start the Week programme from 1988 to 1998.Article continues belowBeyond broadcasting, Bragg holds Honorary Fellowships with both the Royal Society and The British Academy, received a Peerage in 1998, and was awarded a Companion of Honour in 2017.Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

Parviz Jafari, 45, was charged after reports of a theft from among thousands of tributes left near the Black Sabbath Bench and mural following Ozzy Osbourne’s death12:13, 03 Sep 2025Ozzy Osbourne died aged 76 on July 22(Image: Getty Images)A man who was accused of stealing flowers from tributes to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham city centre has had the theft charge against him dropped. The case against Parviz Jafari was dismissed by the CPS after it emerged that a security guard had given the 45-year-old the green light to take the flowers.Jafari, hailing from Beaconview Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, only spoke to confirm his personal details during a brief four-minute hearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.District Judge David Wain was informed that the Crown Prosecution Service had decided to abandon the proceedings after reviewing the evidence and notifying Jafari’s legal representative that he would no longer face any charges.The case against Parviz Jafari was dismissed(Image: PA)The court heard that the CPS review concluded there was no realistic chance of securing a conviction as the Crown couldn’t demonstrate that Jafari had acted dishonestly when he took the flowers.District Judge Wain told Jafari: “Please stand sir. The matter having been withdrawn, you are free to go.”Jafari was charged last month following reports of a theft among the sea of tributes left near the Black Sabbath Bench and mural after Osbourne’s passing.The iconic star, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, passed away aged 76 on July 22 due to a reported heart attack.Article continues belowHis family paid their respects to the tributes on July 30 following a public procession where the heavy metal icon’s body was driven past his childhood home and through his hometown.Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks brutally rules out romance with Olivia Attwood, calling her the “epitome of vile” as they joke about friendship and Brad’s peace of mind11:59, 03 Sep 2025Pete branded pal Olivia as “vile”(Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)Pete Wicks has left fans in stitches after brutally roasting his pal Olivia Attwood, insisting he would never sleep with her and branding her the “epitome of vile.”The pair were chatting on Olivia’s So Wrong It’s Right podcast when the topic of their friendship came up. Love Island alum Olivia pointed out that Pete is one of the only straight male friends her husband Brad Dack has no issue with her hanging out with.“You are, with the exception of his best mates he grew up with, one of the only guys I can text Brad like, ‘Me and Pete are going for a drink after the podcast,’ and he’d be like, ‘Cool,’” Olivia explained.Pete then revealed how he made an effort to get to know Brad early on to avoid any tension. “When you joined TOWIE, I said listen, I wanna go for dinner with Brad so he can see what me and you are like,” he recalled.Olivia is married to footballer Brad Dack(Image: Instagram)“Don’t get me wrong, it is a bit weird if you’ve got a partner and they’re spending a lot of time with someone of the opposite sex who you don’t know, but until you see a relationship between two people and go, ‘No, they’re pals,’ it can seem strange.”But the chat quickly took a savage turn when Pete admitted there was zero chance of any romance between him and Olivia. “I’ve got girl mates who I think, at some point we would probably f***. Then I’ve got people that disgust me in that sense,” he said.Olivia, taken aback, asked: “What is it about me that particularly disgusts you?”The pair have a great friendship(Image: Instagram/olivia_attwood)Pete didn’t hold back. “A lot of it is to do with the limbs. I just don’t think they’re proportionate,” he teased. “I do quite like a woman to be quite womanly and I’ve seen you burp and do some horrendous things so you are probably the epitome of vile. It makes me feel physically sick.”He continued: “Anyone I’ve dated, I wouldn’t even do that in front of them and I’m the man. If they did that in front of me, I’m telling you, they’re off. And she f****** stinks. So things like that, just not for me. You’re a very attractive person, but I’ve seen past that and the depths of your soul and it’s disgusting.”Olivia, laughing at the brutal honesty, signed off by assuring her husband had nothing to fear: “I think it’s safe to say Brad doesn’t have anything to worry about.”Article continues belowWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More