Showbiz

Kumail Nanjiani has opened up about his experience working on Marvel’s Eternals, revealing that he signed up for six movies and even a theme park ride before the film was savaged by criticsAndy Gilpin Deputy Editor in Chief and Bang Showbiz08:27, 25 Aug 2025Updated 08:49, 25 Aug 2025Kumail Nanjiani signed up for six Marvel movies with Eternals(Image: BANG Showbiz)Kumail Nanjiani had signed to six Marvel films following Eternals, but found himself requiring therapy after critics absolutely slated the superhero flick.The 47-year-old star took on the role of Kingo in Chloe Zhao’s 2021 blockbuster The Eternals and initially thought his character would become a crucial element of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, after the film flopped spectacularly, Marvel scrapped all their plans for Kingo.During an appearance on fellow comedian Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast, Nanjiani disclosed that the Marvel letdown features prominently in his latest stand-up special.He explained: “I talked about how I was in this big movie. It came out right after COVID, so I had a year and a half at home to just be like, ‘Oh, when this thing comes out!’ But then it came out and it got really bad reviews and it didn’t do that well. It shattered me too much. That’s when I was like, ‘Oh I need to go to therapy to figure this out.'”.The cast of Marvel’s Eternals in 2020″I was like, ‘Oh, this is going to be my job for the next 10 years’. I signed on for six movies. I signed on for a video game. I signed on for a theme park ride. They make you sign up for all this stuff. And you’re like, ‘This is the next 10 years of my life, so I’ll be doing Marvel movies every year and, in between, I’ll do my own little things, whatever I want to do.’ And then none of that happened.”Kumail has previously opened up about his struggles to handle the aftermath when the movie failed to win over critics. Speaking on Michael Rosenbaum’s ‘Inside of You’ podcast, he confessed: “I knew it wasn’t me. I think that there were a lot of things that went into it. I love that movie and I’m very proud of that movie. I’ve seen that movie a bunch of times because it’s my kind of movie, and a lot of my stuff I don’t watch.”It was really, really hard because Marvel thought that movie was going to be really, really well reviewed, so they lifted the embargo early and put it in some fancy movie festivals and they sent us on a big global tour to promote the movie right as the embargo lifted.Article continues below”The reviews were bad, and I was too aware of it. I was reading every review and checking too much. I think there was some weird soup in the atmosphere for why that movie got slammed so much, and I think not many much of it has to do with the actual quality of the movie.”It was really hard and that was when I thought it was unfair to me and unfair to Emily (V. Gordon, his wife) and I can’t approach my work this way anymore. Some s***’s gotta change, so I started counselling and I still talk to my therapist about that.” More

Comedian Reggie Carroll has died. The performer was shot dead at the age of 52 in Mississippi, as confirmed by Southaven Police. Officials have confirmed that the shooting occurred last week. Police responded to a call and found Carroll had suffered multiple gun wounds – unfortunately the comedian could not be revived. Reggie’s brother Jonathan […] More

Ozzy Osbourne’s son Jack has been spotted out and about following the recent death of his father, and the TV star was seen sporting his most iconic Oz tribute so far07:59, 25 Aug 2025Ozzy Osbourne’s son Jack has issued the most rock ‘n’ roll tribute to his father.Just a month after Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, his son Jack has been seen during a rare public outing and the 39-year-old was photographed running errands in Los Angeles on 22 August. Jack’s t-shirt was a very touching tribute to his rock star father.He sported a Black Sabbath t-shirt, which featured his dad on the cover of the band’s self-titled debut album. The picture shows Ozzy at the Mapledurham Watermill, which happened to be close to his final concert in his home city of Birmingham.The grainy snap shows him wearing an all-black outfit and his signature round sunglasses while holding his hands out in front of him, possibly clutching a staff of some kind. Ozzy stood next to a giant tree in front of a huge lake, with a towering white house in the background.Jack wore a t-shirt plastered with Black Sabbath’s debut album coverThe name Black Sabbath is written in the top left corner in a swirling font. Jack proudly showed off his t-shirt and paired the look with matching black shorts, white trainers, a cap and sunglasses while carrying a shopping bag, reports the Mirror.Rock legend Ozzy sadly died on 22 July at the age of 76 after battling Parkinson’s disease. his death came just days after Black Sabbath’s farewell Back to the Beginning performance at Villa Park.Jack was seen with his mum Sharon and sisters Kelly and Amy at Ozzy’s funeral(Image: FilmMagic)Following his father’s funeral on 30 July, Jack shared a moving message on Instagram: “I haven’t really wanted to post anything since the passing of my father. My heart has hurt too much. I’m gonna keep this short because he certainly hated long rambling speeches.””He was so many things to so many people, but I was so lucky and blessed to be apart of a very small group that got to call him ‘Dad’. My heart is full of so much sadness and sorrow, but also so much love and gratitude.” The showbiz family became household names after starring in their reality TV show The Osbournes(Image: PA)”I got 14,501 days with that man and I know that is such a blessing. I think this quote best describes my father. Hunter S. Thompson once said: ‘Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body… but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!'”.”That was my dad. He lived and he lived his life fully. I love you dad,” Jack signed off in his emotional tribute.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

He was so broke there were plans to give him a pauper’s burial until a complete stranger stepped in to help because he was a ‘bloody good comedian’Andy Gilpin Deputy Editor in Chief07:47, 25 Aug 2025Updated 08:23, 25 Aug 2025Freddie Starr is said to have died penniless and estranged from his six children(Image: BANG Showbiz)Freddie Starr passed away without a penny to his name and completely cut off from his six children.The once-legendary British comic died in 2019 aged 76 following a heart attack, spending his final days alone in a modest one-bedroom apartment on Spain’s Costa del Sol. It was a sad end to his life and fellow comic Jim Davidson claims ‘police killed Starr’ after false sex allegations.According to the Daily Mail, the entertainer was so financially destitute at the time of his death that authorities were preparing to bury him in a pauper’s grave in Spain until a complete stranger intervened to fund his return home and funeral arrangements.Sheffield-based funeral director Michael Fogg ultimately footed the bill to ensure Freddie’s remains could be brought back to England.His carer had no idea he was famous (Image: SWNS)Michael told the Mail: “Anyone who can make a funeral director laugh must be a bloody good comedian. And Freddie Starr could make me laugh.”He shouldn’t be buried in foreign land, he should be brought back to be in his own country. For those asking why I am paying, well it is my money, it is my business and that is what I want to spend my money on. He should be reunited with the people he loved and his family.”Freddie’s Bulgarian carer Nelly discovered his body and later revealed that he’d been estranged from his family for years.His life took a turn for the worse in 2015 when he moved to Spain(Image: Getty Images)She explained: “Freddie had bad feelings about back home, he felt the British people had deserted him. It would be terrible if Freddie ends up being buried in a pauper’s grave. I don’t want to see that happen but I’m worried if I tried to do something about it his relatives would object.”Born in Liverpool in 1943, Freddie was the frontman of the Merseybeat band the Midniters during the 1960s before gaining fame on Opportunity Knocks and the Royal Variety Performance.His career took off in the 1970s and ’80s with TV shows such as Freddie Starr (1993–94), The Freddie Starr Show (1996–98) and An Audience with Freddie Starr in 1996.In 1986, he became the focus of The Sun’s notorious “Freddie Starr Ate My Hamster” headline.Freddie Starr was to be buried in Spain(Image: Liverpool Echo)He also presented Freddie Starr’s Variety Madhouse in 1979 alongside Russ Abbot, Mike Newman, Toni Palmer, Norman Collier and Bella Emberg.Known for his unpredictable antics, he caused a stir in 1997 when he hurled live chickens into an audience at the Britannia Theatre in Great Yarmouth.Audience member Kerry Duthie recalled: “It was absolutely wicked. People were screaming and there were feathers flying in the air.Freddie Starr soared to stardom after appearing on Opportunity Knocks in 1970(Image: Getty Images)”The chickens were flapping about in a panic. I am not a big animal rights supporter, but to see that happen was so cruel.”However, Freddie brushed off the criticism, stating: “There is nothing wrong with what happened and it will be left in the video. It was not cruel at all. As far as the chickens go, it was a one-off.”They have a professional handler and were kept in the cool outside the theatre before going on stage.”Article continues belowFreddie tied the knot four times – first with Betty, then Sandy, later Donna, and finally Sophie in 2013 – and was the father of six children. More

Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing has accidentally unveiled everything after he recently posted a selfie from the bedroom and eagle-eyed fans spotted something in the backgroundLucretia Munro TV Reporter and Bekka Barnard TV & Showbiz Reporter07:35, 25 Aug 2025Jamie Laing was left red-faced after a cheeky selfie in his birthday suit went horribly wrong.The former Made In Chelsea star was left embarrassed when a nude photo of himself accidentally made its way onto social media for all to see. The snap shows Jamie without his clothes on, hands on hips with his back to wife Sophie who captured the moment from behind.Laing gazed out at the early morning view over the rolling hills in front of a giant glass door. However, the showbiz couple seemed to forget the revealing power of reflections as eagle-eyed fans could spot Jamie’s privates mirrored in the glass door.Eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot the duo’s blunder and one commented on Jamie’s post: “You can see Jamie in the glass reflection. Congratulations”, reports the Mirror.Jamie took in the view and gave fans an eyeful of their own(Image: sophiehabboo/instagram)Another quipped: “Sophie’s sharing a bit too much of Jamie this morning,” while a third chimed in with a cheeky message: “This is my reminder to ALWAYS check reflections before posting.”Earlier this month it emerged that Jamie had ruffled some feathers among his former Made In Chelsea mates, who felt he’d betrayed them. Both Sophie and Jamie are set to feature in a Disney+ docuseries, chronicling their journey towards parenthood.Fans quickly warned the couple that they could see a little too much(Image: YouTube/NewlyWeds)Insiders have revealed that some of their Made In Chelsea colleagues were under the impression that the show would focus on the group as a whole, rather than just the couple.It’s been suggested that Louise Thompson and her partner Ryan Libbey, along with Millie Mackintosh and her husband Hugo Taylor, were initially part of the deal and had begun filming. The former Made In Chelsea stars have reportedly been axed from the Disney+ TV show.The couple’s fans are reportedly upset that the topic of the Disney+ series has changedAn insider told The Sun: “They had all been signed to the top secret Disney project and then Jamie snaked them, is what we’re being told, but then Jamie and Habs got pregnant.””Disney agreed the focus should be on them alone because their podcast is going great guns, they’ve been given a Radio 1 show and Jamie’s ultra-marathon efforts endeared him to the nation”.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 BBC has said that the new series of Strictly Come Dancing will continue as normal despite one of its stars being arrested on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse22:04, 24 Aug 2025BBC bosses are adamant that the latest Strictly Come Dancing series will proceed without disruption, despite one of its personalities being detained on rape allegations.The unnamed male individual, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is also facing questioning over claims of “non-consensual intimate image abuse”.The BBC confirmed to the Mirror that police enquiries are ongoing. However, corporation sources maintain the accusations don’t concern anyone involved in this year’s programme, meaning they’re confident the dancing competition, including rehearsals, can proceed uninterrupted.The show has been hit with a string of controversies over the years(Image: BBC)This fresh Metropolitan Police probe comes after a BBC-initiated investigation into drug misuse allegations involving show personalities, reports the Mirror.A Met spokesperson confirmed: “On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.”We urge anyone with any information to come forward to us. The arrest follows a third party ­allegation of sexual and drug-related offences.”Specialist officers are providing support to the alleged victim.This shocking turn of events represents one of the most serious scandals to hit the BBC since presenter Huw Edwards escaped imprisonment last year for possessing ­indecent images of children.Huw Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent pictures of children(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)A BBC representative told the Mirror: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”An insider at the broadcaster emphasised there’s no indication the allegation connects to the current Strictly production, with training already underway.They concluded: “We think the new series will continue as normal.”Strictly has been hit by a series of recent controversies. Last year, dancer Giovanni Pernice left the show after allegations of bullying his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington.While some complaints against him were upheld, he was cleared of the most serious accusations. Dancer Graziano Di Prima was also dismissed following allegations of misconduct towards his partner Zara McDermott.Article continues belowAdditionally, opera singer Wynne Evans exited the show’s tour after being accused of making inappropriate comments. More

Kate Ferdinand has announced that she and husband Rio Ferdinand have moved to Dubai with their children – and the former TOWIE star shared a look at their lavish new home21:55, 24 Aug 2025Updated 21:56, 24 Aug 2025Kate Ferdinand has revealed a major life update(Image: xkateferdinand/instagram)Kate Ferdinand has revealed a major life update as she and husband Rio Ferdinand have relocated to Dubai with their children. Kate offered her followers a glimpse inside their new family home on her Instagram as she described it as a ‘new chapter’ for the family.Rio, 46, and Kate, 33, have moved from Bromley in South East London to the sunny United Arab Emirates, a decision Kate disclosed they had been discussing for a considerable time.Kate posted a series of breathtaking photos of their new surroundings, including a shot overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa building with three of their children. The pair are parents to son Cree, four, and daughter Shae, two, plus Lorenz, Tate, 16, and Tia, 13, from Rio’s previous marriage.The couple have moved to sunny UAE (Image: xkateferdinand/instagram)Kate wrote in her caption: “A new chapter, a fresh start – because if we don’t try, we’ll never know. Ahhh! We’ve talked about this for so long, and now it’s finally real… we’re here, we are making a new home in the place we met!”.Kate continued: “Missing some of our specials already and a bit scared, excited and nervous – but more than anything, ready for fresh starts and new beginnings.”Dubai holds special significance for the married couple, as it’s where Rio and former TOWIE star Kate first encountered each other almost a decade ago. They were introduced through a mutual friend, and Rio even popped the question to Kate in Abu Dhabi two years after their initial meeting.Kate shared the update on Instagram(Image: xkateferdinand/instagram)A source told The Sun that the Middle East offers significant opportunities for the family. They said: “It holds a special place in their hearts as that’s where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK.”As well as his sporting success, Rio has a huge business portfolio now and there is lots of potential in the Middle East.”Earlier reports suggested Kate and Rio were contemplating a permanent departure from Britain to establish fresh roots for their family. Sources indicated the pair would maintain regular trips to the UK to honour professional obligations.The relocation to Dubai is expected to significantly boost Rio’s commercial ventures.The couple’s kids were enjoying the new surroundings(Image: xkateferdinand/instagram)The duo were also reportedly scouting educational establishments in Dubai for their extensive brood. An insider disclosed earlier this year: “Rio and Kate are seriously considering being based out in the Gulf and are looking for a sprawling home with plenty of bedrooms.”They love the lifestyle and sunny weather and have lots of friends out there.”The source added: “It’s a very safe place for families and offers a healthy lifestyle, which suits them well.”It holds a special place in their hearts as that’s where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK.”Kate and Rio welcomed the New Year in the Emirates, basking in the warm winter sunshine. Expressing their affection for the destination, Kate wrote: “Rio and I met 8 years ago yesterday.”Who would have thought that fast forward to now we would be back in the place we met, married, with 2 more beautiful children, 5 in total.”She continued: “It’s crazy to think that a chance meeting, and so many hurdles thrown our way we would be ready to see in the new year as a family of 7(just missing our Lorenz).”Kate and Rio began their romance in 2016 and tied the knot three years on.Article continues belowIn 2020, they welcomed their son Cree, followed by their daughter Shae in 2023. Rio is also dad to three kids – Lorenz, 18, Tate, 16, and Tia, 13 – from his first marriage to Rebecca Ellison, who sadly passed away from breast cancer in 2015.Kate and Rio have had numerous memorable holidays there. After their recent trip, Kate enthused: “Dubai recap with my specials.”Their two little ones also seem to love the city in the United Arab Emirates, as they were seen playing together in the sea and holding hands while strolling through the opulent streets. More

Paul Merton has been a fixture in British comedy for decades, but behind the scenes, the BBC comedy legend faced his own battles before finally finding ‘magic in the air’Anita Markoff and Zesha Saleem21:37, 24 Aug 2025Paul Merton and Suki Webster found love despite the odds(Image: Getty Images Europe)Paul Merton stands as a cherished comedy icon following his years of delivering slapstick brilliance to Have I Got News For You.Yet beneath the entertainer’s facade, the comedian has endured profoundly heartbreaking chapters, including the tragic death of his second wife, Sarah Parkinson, in 2003.Merton is now blissfully wed to fellow comedian Suki Webster, and has opened up about how romance found its way back into his world far earlier than he had anticipated.He revealed: “I suppose this was about six or seven months [after Sarah’s death]. I don’t think it’s one of those decisions you can make. You see what happens.”You’re not looking necessarily, because you have to grieve. But we were in India, we were on brandy and there was a magician in the dark. You don’t think anything except, this is great fun. You don’t think, ‘oh, is this right or wrong?’ It felt natural. It felt OK.”, reports the Mirror.Suki Webster and Paul Merton(Image: Dave Benett, Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)Suki, who performs alongside Paul in the Comedy Store Players, remarked: “When you fall in love, you fall in love.”The duo initially bonded during a company tour of India, where both were laid low with food poisoning. They began chatting whilst observing a magician perform in the courtyard of a poorly lit establishment where they were sipping brandy and colas.Paul has subsequently quipped that whilst the performance wasn’t particularly impressive, there was “magic in the air” between the pair of them. That marked the start of a partnership which has blossomed into more than 10 years of matrimony and endless evenings performing together.For Paul, Suki’s arrival brought unexpected hope during his darkest period.He’s a famed comedian(Image: TV Times, TV Times/Future Publishing via Getty Images)His second spouse Sarah Parkinson received a devastating diagnosis of aggressive breast cancer prior to their nuptials, and tragically died merely three months after they exchanged vows. She only 41.Paul has previously described how he turned to humour for comfort following her passing, making his way to a Comedy Store show merely six days afterwards to find solace in the collective laughter of the crowd. “It goes back to that thing about the release, the relief, it takes you somewhere else,” he revealed.Comedy has remained a cornerstone throughout Merton’s existence, serving both as his profession and anchor during turbulent periods. Born Paul Martin, he embraced the stage moniker Merton from early on and initially gained recognition through Whose Line Is It Anyway? in 1988.Paul Merton at the Edinburgh International Book Festival(Image: Robbie Jack, Corbis via Getty Images)Yet as his professional life was flourishing, the programme faced delays and he suffered a psychological collapse that resulted in a six-week stay at the Maudsley psychiatric hospital.Even with his personal battles, he maintains the ability to view that chapter with levity, recounting his experience of being someone grappling with vastly different challenges from his fellow patients: “I was in a room for group therapy after breakfast every morning. There was somebody who had been kicked out of their council house.”Somebody else said his daughter was heavily into drugs. All these terrible things were happening to them. My thing was that somebody had cancelled a television series. I never said that in the session, because I knew: “That’s awkward. ” I still had a sense of proportion and a sense of humour about it.”Article continues belowFortunately, circumstances improved dramatically for Merton, as he’d achieved household recognition by 1990. The comedian has continued as a mainstay on Have I Got News For You from that point onwards. More