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It's that time of year again! No, we're not talking about the holidays (although they are pretty close); we're talking about the iconic Blackpool Week on Strictly Come Dancing. The remaining eight couples take to the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom in the hopes of creating a moment that will live on in Strictly history, and they get to do it on that renowned sprung floor, perfect for routines like the Quickstep and the Samba.

After last week's Dance-Off saw a split decision from the judges, it was Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu that were sent home in what many considered a shock given that Shayne was one of the series' early frontrunners. That highlights just how close the competition is right now, and it makes getting to Blackpool all the more imperative.

So, just how bright did all of the sparkles and glitzing routines shine in the Tower Ballroom? Here are all the Strictly spoilers,...

This year's iteration of Strictly Come Dancing has reached its halfway point. It did that last week, and now we're on the road to Blackpool. That's right; it's the week before the annual extravaganza and you can bet that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman had fun with their favorite game of the series: How many times can they say Blackpool in one episode? The answer was, as always, a lot.

After last week's controversial Icons Week (which saw Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin eliminated after a Dance-Off appearance with Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe), we were back to typical performances this week - much to the delight of the audience, many of whom were thankful after two consecutive weeks of theme weeks.

But with Blackpool on the horizon, which of our remaining nine couples shone the brightest and which ones have found themselves in danger of the dreaded Dance-Off?

Strictly...

It's Icons Week on Strictly Come Dancing! That's right; for the first time ever, this brand new theme week will pay tribute to some of the most popular musical icons of all time, with dances and performances that are nods to Taylor Swift, Freddie Mercury and Queen, Bruno Mars, George Michael, Whitney Houston, and Pink.

After last week's Halloween Spooktacular (which saw Shayne Ward and Nancy take on Punam and Gorka in the Dance-Off), our couples got the chance to glitz it up a little bit more with some iconic glamor. There were powerful performances, non-stop performances, and some tearjerking ones too.

But when all was said and done, who turned in the most iconic routines of the night. Here are all theStrictly spoilers, results, and scores from the Week 67 Saturday Night show and eveything else that took place on that dancefloor.

Strictly spoilers and results: Week 7 Leaderboard

What an iconic night of dancing!

The competition continues to heat up on Strictly Come Dancing. The long-running BBC staple is currently in the midst of its 22nd series, and to say that the competition is well underway would be an understatement.

Last week's episode saw the first shock Dance-Off of the series as Shayne Ward, who had a high score and landed in the upper half of the middle of the Leaderboard had to dance again to remain in the competition. He did so well, but it once again highlighted how anything can happen on Strictly when the public vote (and multiple ties on the Leaderboard!) is involved. And with Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk departing the series last week after elimination, the remaining 13 couples took on new dances this week in a bid to impress the judges and the viewers at home. But who thrived and who struggled?

Here are all of the Strictly spoilers,...

BBC Studios has announced the titles coming to BritBox in August 2024, which include everything from new BritBox Originals to classic British fare. BritBox is a digital video subscription service offering the largest collection of British TV in the U.S. and Canada.

The August lineup features season one of The Change, starring Bridge Christie, season two of Romesh Ranganthan’s family dramedy Avoidance, and seasons three and four of Killing Eve, starring Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh.

Bridge Christie in The Change

BritBox is also adding two royal programs this August: The White Princess (also starring Comer) and My King Charles, a documentary investigating the monarch’s complicated path to the throne. BritBox crime Original Granite Harbour, starring Romario Simpson and Hanna Donaldson, returns for its second season on August 15.

BritBox is a digital subscription video-on-demand service offering the largest and most comprehensive, unmissable collection of British entertainment available all in one place.

Abba’s long-time guitarist Lasse Wellander has died aged 70.

The news was announced by the Swedish musician’s family, who told Wellander’s fans that he had died on Good Friday (7 April) “surrounded by his loved ones”.

“It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep,” their statement read, adding: “You were an amazing musician and humble as few, but above all you were a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather.

“Kind, safe, caring and loving... and so much more, that cannot be described in words. A hub in our lives, and it’s unbelievable that we now have to live on without you.”

The musician died of cancer.

In tribute, Abba released a statement to Pa, reading: “Lasse was a dear friend, a fun guy and a superb guitarist. The importance of his creative input in the recording studio as...

Taylor Swift added break-up song “The 1” to her tour setlist mid-run amid her reported split from boyfriend of six years Joe Alwyn.

On Sunday (9 April), reports emerged claiming that the singer and British actor split several weeks ago.

According to Entertainment Tonight, who first reported on the alleged split, the break-up was “not dramatic”, with the relationship simply “running its course”.

A source close to the pair also reportedly confirmed the split to People.

Swift is currently performing across the US as part of her Eras tour, while Alwyn has not been spotted at any of the shows since it kicked off on 18 March.

On the tour, Swift has been performing songs from each album throughout her career. You can read The Independent’s review from opening night here.

As part of the setlist from her 2020 album Folklore, Swift initially started out the tour performing the song “Invisible String” about...

S Club 7 manager Simon Fuller has remembered Paul Cattermole as “a beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans”.

Cattermole was found dead in his home in Dorset on Thursday (6 April) and pronounced dead later that day, his family have said. He was 46 years old.

Fuller said that he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news and that Cattermole would be “greatly missed”.

It comes shortly after S Club 7 announced an upcoming 25th-anniversary tour, which would see the original band members reunited.

In a statement shared with the Pa news agency, Fuller said: “Paul was a beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans and he will be greatly missed.

“We’re all deeply shocked and saddened by this news”.

The seven-piece pop group was created by former Spice Girls manager Fuller in 1998, and were known for hit songs including Reach, Don’t Stop Movin...

Joe Lycett took aim at Rupert Murdoch during his opening monologue on Late Night Lycett on Friday (7 April).

Reports broke earlier this week that the billionaire media mogul and Ann Lesley Smith had called off their engagement just two weeks after announcing their plans to marry.

“Rupert Murdoch’s had a big week, he’s broken off his engagement,” Lycett told his live studio audience.

“People say she was only after his money but I think that’s unfair, she may have just really been turned on by a flaccid, yellow, 92-year-old c**k.”

After the audience reacted with shocked laughs at the explicit joke, Lycett responded: “What? What’s he gonna do to me?”

After a pause, he predicted: “F***ing everything”.

Murdoch, who has been married four times previously, announced his engagement to the former dental hygienist, 66, last month.

“I was very nervous. I dreaded falling in love...

Melanie Lynskey has been Barbie-fied and she’s fully in support of it.

Since Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie recently released new character posters for its entire cast, fans have tried their hand at recreating their own iterations.

Similar to the original posters – which feature headshots of each cast member next to a one-liner – the film’s Barbie Selfie Generator website allows users to upload their own photo and tagline.

Twitter user @guedegade shared their creation, dedicated to the Yellowjackets star, with the caption: “Everyone’s favourite ally.”

Above the photo of Lynskey is the line: “This Barbie is pushing the homosexual agenda.”

The post, which has over 3.1 million views, was seen by the New Zealand native herself, who commented: “Ok sorry this brought me such joy today.”

Additional LGBTQ+ fans shared their support of Lynskey, with one writing: “The lesbians love you Melanie.”

Ok sorry this brought me such joy today https://t.

S Club 7 have paid tribute to Paul Cattermole, who has died at the age of 46.

The band shared a statement after Cattermole was found at his home in Dorset on 6 April and was pronounced dead later that afternoon.

His death is not being treated as suspicious, but the cause is currently unknown.

“We are truly devastated by the passing of our brother Paul,” the band wrote on their Twitter page.

“There are no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel. We were so lucky to have had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have.

“He will be so deeply missed by each and every one of us. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and of the band at this time.”

Cattermole’s death comes weeks after the “Reach” and “Bring it All Back” pop stars announced...

Stars: Stephen Moyer, Tala Gouveia, Casper Van Dien, John Rhys-Davies, Mike Beckingham, Alana Wallace, Shayne Ward, Spencer Collings, Toby Osmond | Written and Directed by Tom Paton

It’s pretty obvious by now that I am a fan of this man and his crew… I always look forward to seeing what he has cooked up in his labyrinthian mind and knowing that this time he had a well known studio (Goldfinch and Lionsgate) and some pretty big names onboard I was somewhat excited to check out G-loc… Oh and did I mention we were treading on some straight up sci-fi territory this time! of course I say straight up but when has Paton ever let his movies be confined to just one genre.

Of course this time we have what looks to be more of a tastier budget than we are used to and with that comes some bigger names and...

An epic sci-fi adventure set in a distant world, G-loc premieres on DVD, Digital, and On Demand August 11 from Lionsgate. Fan favorites Stephen Moyer (“True Blood”) and Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers franchise) star in this poignant, allegorical story set in a fantastic other-world where humans are pitted against one another for survival. Also starring John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings franchise), Tala Gouveia, Toby Osmond, and Shayne Ward, the G-loc DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.98. Check Out the Trailer:

With Earth virtually destroyed, Bran Marshall flees to the Rhea, a planet hostile to Earthlings. Escaping onto a Rhean supply ship, he finds the crew slaughtered, with the only survivor a female warrior named Ohsha. As the two try to kill one another, the ship is damaged by meteorites. Bran (Moyer) and Ohsha must join forces to salvage the craft before it impacts the...

An epic sci-fi adventure set in a distant world, G-loc premieres on DVD, Digital, and On Demand August 11 from Lionsgate.

Fan favorites Stephen Moyer (“True Blood”) and Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers franchise) star in this poignant, allegorical story set in a fantastic other-world where humans are pitted against one another for survival. Also starring John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings franchise), Tala Gouveia, Toby Osmond, and Shayne Ward, the G-loc DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.98. Check-out the trailer:

With Earth virtually destroyed, Bran Marshall flees to the Rhea, a planet hostile to Earthlings. Escaping onto a Rhean supply ship, he finds the crew slaughtered, with the only survivor a female warrior named Ohsha. As the two try to kill one another, the ship is damaged by meteorites. Bran (Moyer) and Ohsha must join forces to salvage the craft before it impacts the planet...

Stars: Shayne Ward, Bentley Kalu, Piotr Baumann, Simon Meacock, Toby Osmond, Samantha Schnitzler, Matt Malecki, Spencer Collings, Phoebe Robinson-Galvin, Alana Wallace, Sophie Austin | Written and Directed by Tom Paton

[Note: With the film now out digitally in the UK and in the Us (under the title Black Ops), here’s a reposting of our review of Tom Paton’s The Ascent – from the films debut at Frightfest last August]

As someone who reviews a Lot of movies, who grew up in the era of the video shop, its fun to see people clearly raised on the same types of films I enjoyed as a teenager now stepping behind the camera and making films of their own. Films that, as the filmmakers peers, I can recognise as having been influenced by the very same films I know, and in a lot of cases, love. Case in point, Tom Paton.

Paton’s last film, Black Site, clearly wore its inspirations on its sleeve, the John Carpenter-esque action-horror hybrid was just that.

In our exclusive, Nsfw clip, a military team witnesses evidence that they wish they had never seen. Written and directed by Tom Paton, Black Ops follows that small military team, who have arrived on a field to carry out a secret mission. Soon, however, they "find themselves trapped in a terrifying, never-ending stairwell," in the words of the official synopsis. "Forced to climb or die, the group soon come face to face with their past sins in a desperate fight for survival." The description "suffocating intensity" certainly applies to the film. Shayne Ward, Toby Osmond, Simon Meacock, Bentley Kalu, Rachel Warren and Samantha Schnitzler star. Black Ops enjoyed its world premiere at FrightFest 2019. We wrote about the official trailer and showcased a few official...

[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...

We're back with another edition of Horror Highlights! In today's installment, we have an exclusive clip from Black Ops, casting details from Z Dead End, a trailer for Useless Humans, and details on a new character for the Hellboy: The Board Game:

Exclusive Clip from Black Ops: Following its festival run last year (where it played under the titles Stairs and The Ascent), Black Ops will be released to the masses this month from Samuel Goldwyn Films. Written and directed by Tom Paton, Black Ops stars Shayne Ward, Toby Osmond, Simon Meacock, Bentley Kalu, Rachel Warren, and Samantha Schnitzler. Executive produced by Kirsty Bell, Phil McKenzie, Steve Mosley, and Tom Paton, and produced by George Burt and Alexa Waugh, Black Ops is out now from Samuel Goldwyn Films.

Synopsis: "Follow a black ops team who find themselves trapped in a terrifying, never-ending stairwell. Forced to climb or die, the group...

U.K producer Mosley Studios and producer-financier Goldfinch are turning to virtual reality for the launch of their latest feature, action thriller “The Ascent.”

Thought to be the first film premiere inside virtual reality, “The Ascent” will bow June 12 at 7 p.m. (BST) via AltspaceVR, and will be available to those with an Oculus headset, or similar. The event will be called “The Vr Film Festival.”

For those without AltspaceVR or access to a visor, the film will also premiere on Goldfinch’s recently launched VOD service Birdbox.Film at the same time.

The AltspaceVR premiere will also include a Q&a with director Tom Paton and cinematographer George Burt.

Burt said: “The Vr Film Festival was launched to give feature films a virtual platform to premiere in a copyright-safe environment. Due to Covid-19 we’ve been looking into tech and found AltspaceVR which can host the event with up to 100 people attending.

"What was our mission?" Samuel Goldwyn Films has debuted the official trailer for an indie action horror called Black Ops, which is the new release title – it's also known as The Ascent or Stairs. This originally premiered at Frightfest last year, and will be available to watch in June. Follow a black ops team who find themselves trapped in a terrifying, never-ending stairwell. Forced to climb or die, the group soon come face to face with their past sins in a desperate fight for survival. This stars Shayne Ward, Rachel Warren, Simon Meacock, Bentley Kalu, Samantha Schnitzler, and Toby Osmond. While it seems like a sci-fi concept, it leans way more into horror. There's creepy ghosts everywhere, and they're stuck because of some supernatural force wants to torment them. Maybe a bit too much style, and nowhere near enough substance. Here's the official Us trailer (+ two posters) for Tom Paton's Black Ops,...

Black Ops. Written & directed by Tom Paton, Black Ops stars Shayne Ward (Coronation Street), Toby Osmond (Game of Thrones), Sophie Austin (Call the Midwife), Alana Wallace (Black Site), Matt Malecki (Hurricane), Simon Meacock (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) and Bentley Kalu (Wonder Woman). The film follows a black ops team …

The post Trailer Debut: Black Ops, releasing June 12 appeared first on Hnn | Horrornews.net.

Following its festival run last year (where it played under the titles Stairs and The Ascent), Black Ops will be released to the masses this June from Samuel Goldwyn Films, and we've been provided with the film's official trailer as a special treat for Daily Dead readers.

You can watch a specialized (and heavily weaponized) team encounter horrors from their past on an endless stairwell in the trailer below, and in case you missed it, read Sean McGeady's review of the film (back when it was known as Stairs).

Written and directed by Tom Paton, Black Ops stars Shayne Ward, Toby Osmond, Simon Meacock, Bentley Kalu, Rachel Warren, and Samantha Schnitzler.

Executive produced by Kirsty Bell, Phil McKenzie, Steve Mosley, and Tom Paton, and produced by George Burt and Alexa Waugh, Black Ops will be released by Samuel Goldwyn Films on June 12th.

Synopsis: "Follow a black ops team who...

Actor Shayne Ward’s team is cursed, and must therefore face their mistakes in order to survive, in the newly released official trailer for the upcoming horror movie, ‘Black Ops.’ The trailer was unveiled by the drama’s distributor, Samuel Goldwyn Films, which is set to release the sci-fi feature on June 12. The official distribution comes […]

The post Shayne Ward Faces His Sins as He Fights for Survival in Black Ops Trailer appeared first on Shockya.com.

With democracy under attack and the climate crisis unsolved, there’s an ever-growing sense that humanity may be nearing its extinction. Where did it all go wrong? Were we to revisit the past 10, 50, or 100 years from now, would we know where to look for answers? Would we know what to do if we found them?

The hard-nosed soldiers in Tom Paton’s Stairs certainly don’t. Following a difficult operation during which they forswore their humanity for the sake of obeying orders, their debriefing takes an introspective turn when their nine-strong platoon is pursued up an unending staircase by the spectre of a civilian they killed in cold blood.

Before her execution, the prisoner gives the group some ominous, prescient advice: don’t go down. Those that do are swiftly chewed up. Those that don’t, climb, up and up until their boots fill with blood, frantically seeking a way...

Stars: Shayne Ward, Bentley Kalu, Piotr Baumann, Simon Meacock, Toby Osmond, Samantha Schnitzler, Matt Malecki, Spencer Collings, Phoebe Robinson-Galvin, Alana Wallace, Sophie Austin | Written and Directed by Tom Paton

As someone who reviews a Lot of movies, who grew up in the era of the video shop, its fun to see people clearly raised on the same types of films I enjoyed as a teenager now stepping behind the camera and making films of their own. Films that, as the filmmakers peers, I can recognise as having been influenced by the very same films I know, and in a lot of cases, love. Case in point, Tom Paton.

Paton’s last film, Black Site, clearly wore its inspirations on its sleeve, the John Carpenter-esque action-horror hybrid was just that. A John Carpenter inspired film that the genre maestro could have easily made back in his 80s heyday, probably around...

Former “X Factor” champion Shayne Ward will star in homegrown British horror movie “Skendleby.” Mark Jackson (“The Orville”) and Niamh McGrady (“The Fall”) will also star.

Ward triumphed on the second-ever edition of the “X Factor” in the U.K. in 2005 before going on to build an acting career and starring in iconic British soap “Coronation Street.” He has now signed to play archaeologist Dr. Giles Glover in “Skendleby,” which hails from Rebekah Louisa Smith’s fledgling Doctor Rebekah Productions banner.

Smith has hitherto been known for her work for running the film festival consultancy business The Film Festival Doctor. Having helped producers through the festival maze, she has now branched out into production herself.

“Skendleby” tells the story of an ancient curse lurking within the estate of Skendleby Hall. It will shoot in the U.K., starting next April, with an all-British cast.

It is Ward’s second big-screen role.

'Coronation Street' is set to be rocked by the arrival of two more members of the Connor family. Aidan Connor, played by Shayne Ward, was welcomed onto the street when Carla Connor (Alison King) let her gambling addiction spiral out of control, threatening the future of Underworld. However, despite their business relationship smoothing out over recent weeks, the arrival of Aidan's father Johnny (Richard Hawley) and sister Kate (Faye Brookes) causes a stir when it becomes apparent that Aidan hasn't been entirely truthful about the origins of the cash he's invested into the business. Kate - who is a distant cousin of Carla's...

'Coronation Street' is set to be rocked by the arrival of two more members of the Connor family. Aidan Connor, played by Shayne Ward, was welcomed onto the street when Carla Connor (Alison King) let her gambling addiction spiral out of control, threatening the future of Underworld. However, despite their business relationship smoothing out over recent weeks, the arrival of Aidan's father Johnny (Richard Hawley) and sister Kate (Faye Brookes) causes a stir when it becomes apparent that Aidan hasn't been entirely truthful about the origins of the cash he's invested into the business. Kate - who is a distant cousin of Carla's...

The X Factor is not just about finding great voices, it also gives the Great British public a stab at getting their mugs on telly. And while many grab their opportunity with both hands by being funny or cute or, y'know, talented, others prefer to jump to the head of the queue by calling themselves something ridiculous.

Indeed, it was iconic pop-art pioneer Andy Warhol who once said everyone will be famous for 15 minutes. However, he never mentioned having to change our names to a foodstuff to do it...

1. Bun 'nd Cheese

"Why not be named after something that we love?" That was the argument put forward by Bun 'nd Cheese, the all-girl trio formed of Pinky, Patty and Peas (Peas!) who sadly failed to make it past the first auditions in 2010.

They forgot the lyrics, even their friends thought they were terrible and even friendly ol' Simon Cowell was speechless.

Shayne Ward is on Tinder. The 30-year-old star - who made his TV debut on 'Coronation Street' last month - first made a profile on the popular dating app as part of a bet but has now revealed he's taking his search for a potential lover seriously and says it's been ''fun''. He said: ''Yes I'm on Tinder, it is not a fake account. ''What it is, I was having a bet with my management that I would go on it. So initially I set it up as a joke. I thought I'd give it a go yeah ... It's quite fun.'' Unlucky in...

Shayne Ward is on Tinder. The 30-year-old star - who made his TV debut on 'Coronation Street' last month - first made a profile on the popular dating app as part of a bet but has now revealed he's taking his search for a potential lover seriously and says it's been ''fun''. He said: ''Yes I'm on Tinder, it is not a fake account. ''What it is, I was having a bet with my management that I would go on it. So initially I set it up as a joke. I thought I'd give it a go yeah ... It's quite fun.'' Unlucky in...

Shayne Ward and his cat are ''inseparable''. The 'Coronation Street' actor was delighted to keep moggy Princess Nunu when he and fiancee Faye McKeever split up last year and says the animal is devoted to him. He said: ''Don't laugh but my cat's called Princess Nunu. She's a British shorthair. ''My ex-partner, Faye, loved cats so we got one together. I got to keep one and we're now inseparable. She's a proper daddy's girl.'' The 30-year-old hunk - who plays Aidan Connor in 'Corrie' - isn't sure whether he's a hit with women or not, but knows what he's looking for in his next...

Shayne Ward wants to stay on 'Coronation Street' for 20 years. The 30-year-old pop star is set to make his soap debut as Aidan Connor next week and he is hoping he is a hit with viewers so he can stay in Weatherfield for a long time. He said: ''If they want me for the next 20 years, I'm here. I'm now part of one of the most iconic shows on TV. It's amazing. I'm living the dream.'' Though he has only been on set for a few weeks, Shayne is loving every minute of filming. He said: ''It's been amazing. I've been filming...

'Coronation Street's Carla Connor is set for even more drama. The factory owner, played by actress Alison King, has already developed a gambling addiction after struggling to overcome the sense of guilt caused by the fire in her flat that led to the deaths of Kal Nazir and Maddie Heath but things are set to get even more dramatic. Carla's problems will increase when her cousin Aidan Connor (Shayne Ward) arrives in the street, swiftly followed by his father Johnny and sister Kate and they will bring big news for Carla. Show producer Stuart Blackburn said: ''The Connors are looking great. I think...

Shayne Ward wants to become 'Coronation Street's newest heartthrob. The 30-year-old former 'X Factor' winner will make his first appearance on Weatherfield's cobbled streets next week and Shayne, who is single since splitting from fiancee Faye McKeever 18 months ago, is excited about becoming eye-candy for fans. He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''It would be mint to play a heartthrob. I just love any type of challenge and roles because every day I'm learning, I'm watching, observing all the actors. That's the great thing about it. ''I'll have anything thrown at me. I'd like to give everything I possibly can and push...

Sarah Harding felt like an ''amateur'' on the set of 'Coronation Street'. The former Girls Aloud singer has joined the ITV soap as Joni Preston for four episodes and has confessed she was nervous about filming alongside legends Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan) and Eileen Derbyshire (Emily Bishop). She said: ''They are icons and they're pros as well and I came in thinking, 'Oh my goodness, I'm so going to fluff my lines, I'm such an amateur!' ... So yes, I was well rehearsed.'' Sarah's fellow popstar Shayne Ward is also preparing to join the much-loved show, but she's yet to bump into him...

Shayne Ward has teased big storylines for his new 'Coronation Street' character Aidan Connor. The 30-year-old former 'X Factor' winner is joining the ITV soap in August as the distant cousin of Michelle Connor - played by Kym Marsh - and has revealed he didn't realise how integral to the TV show his character would be. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News newspaper, Shayne said: ''I am looking forward to August when my first scene is aired. I'm going to focus on this role and bring Aidan to life. ''I didn't realise how large this role was, storyline-wise. There is a lot going...

Shayne Ward is worried about keeping his 'Coronation Street' storylines a secret from him mum. The former 'X Factor' winner is set to join the ITV soap as Michelle Connor's distant cousin Aidan in August and he's confessed he's worried his mum will manage to talk him into revealing top secret plot details. Speaking about breaking the news that he'd got the part to his mother - who is a massive 'Corrie' fan - he said: ''It's your mum and you're saying you are going to be on one of the most iconic shows ever. She was over the moon!

Shayne Ward has signed a one year contract for 'Coronation Street'. The former 'X Factor' winner is set to join the ITV soap as Michelle Connor's distant cousin Aidan who grew up on the same estate as her and Carla and will arrive in Weatherfield in August after hearing that Carla is having problems in the factory. He said: ''On hearing the news I had been offered the part on the show I was in total disbelief. It still hasn't sunk in. Shayne Ward the lad from Manchester, given such a role on such an iconic show - it is an absolute...

Shayne Ward has signed a one year contract for 'Coronation Street'. The former 'X Factor' winner is set to join the ITV soap as Michelle Connor's distant cousin Aidan who grew up on the same estate as her and Carla and will arrive in Weatherfield in August after hearing that Carla is having problems in the factory. He said: ''On hearing the news I had been offered the part on the show I was in total disbelief. It still hasn't sunk in. Shayne Ward the lad from Manchester, given such a role on such an iconic show - it is an absolute...

We already know that Stereo Kicks are not fans of Louis Walsh, but who do they think should replace him should he leave The X Factor?

The eight-piece boyband have backed another Louis - One Direction's Louis Tomlinson - to appear as a judge on the forthcoming series.

Barclay Beales told Metro Radio 3's Darryl Morris that Tomlinson would be a "funny" and "honest" addition to the panel, and said that he has the credentials coming from the world's biggest boyband.

"I think he'd do a good job," he suggested. "He's been through it. He's quite funny, isn't he? He'd be honest as well we reckon. He's become part of one of the biggest boybands in the world and he's gone through the shows. So he knows how it works.

"When we were on the show One Direction used to come down a lot when Simon was there on a Friday.

Shayne Ward wants to play Sarah Harding's bad boy lover on 'Coronation Street'. The 30-year-old star - who rose to fame after winning the second series of 'The X Factor' - has confessed he would love to play the former Girls Aloud singer's love interest following the announcement she's set to appear in four episodes of the ITV soap later this year. He said: ''Everyone says I'd play a good bad boy, I think it's because of the tattoos. ''I would love to play a bad boy, especially on 'Coronation Street'. ''I'm not an established actor but I'm willing to learn. ''I heard about...

Fiona Phillips and Gaby Roslin will cover Lorraine Kelly on ITV's Lorraine over Easter.

Both women will present the show for a week as Kelly takes holiday.

Phillips will take over from Monday, March 30th and Roslin will present from April 6th.

Phillips said: "I always love doing the Lorraine show; they always have such brilliant guests and it's like going home too, as I get to see all my old mates!"

Roslin added: "I'm thrilled and very touched to be asked back again to stand in for the queen of daytime. The team were so welcoming and I'm looking forward to working with them all again. A lovely Easter present!"

Guests over the next fortnight on Lorraine include Coronation Street's Debbie Rush, Amelia Lily, Shayne Ward, Stacey Solomon, 5ive and Texas.

Two Overs in The X Factor Grand Finale. Who'd-a-thunk it?

Fleur East and Ben Haenow have beaten off Jack Walton, Stereo Kicks and Stevi Ritchie (oh, behave!) to make it to Wembley tonight.

And although we won't be seeing Andi Peters at the CD printing press (more for shame), we can expect more Louis Walsh, celebratory sausages and One Direction.

Crack out the eggnog and join Digital Spy as we await the news of whether Fleur or Ben will follow the illustrious steps of Shayne Ward, Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson to take The X Factor crown.

Even more exciting than that, we're also hoping for an update on whether Labrinth ever had his wisdom teeth out...

22:01Anyway, that's it everyone! With one last plug for the tour, we're over and out. Goodnight all!

21:59There are too many X Factor finalists there with shaved sides of their heads.

Two Overs in The X Factor Grand Finale. Who'd-a-thunk it?

Fleur East and Ben Haenow have beaten off Jack Walton, Stereo Kicks and Stevi Ritchie (oh, behave!) to make it to Wembley tonight.

And although we won't be seeing Andi Peters at the CD printing press (more for shame), we can expect more Louis Walsh, celebratory sausages and One Direction.

Crack out the eggnog and join Digital Spy as we await the news of whether Fleur or Ben will follow the illustrious steps of Shayne Ward, Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson to take The X Factor crown.

Even more exciting than that, we're also hoping for an update on whether Labrinth ever had his wisdom teeth out...

22:01Anyway, that's it everyone! With one last plug for the tour, we're over and out. Goodnight all!

21:59There are too many X Factor finalists there with shaved sides of their heads.

We're down to our final three on The X Factor - Andrea, Ben, and Fleur, in case you've somehow missed the news - and the final is just days away. Days. But of course the one thing we all want to know is what the winner's single will be - is it going to be a surprise triumph or a horrific failure?

All this speculation got us looking back at the X Factor winner's singles of the past - the good, the bad, the terrible. And, of course, we just had to rank them, didn't we? Read on for our view of how they all stack up...

10. 'Hallelujah' - Alexandra Burke

One thing we discovered when we began this ranking is that the quality of the winner's single is no reflection of the quality of the artist. Take this monstrosity. Alexandra is obviously hugely talented and could have had an amazing first record.

Jake Quickenden has been confirmed to be entering the jungle in ITV's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.

Just four weeks ago, Jake was singing as a finalist in The X Factor before being the fifth act to be eliminated from the competition.

This got us thinking. This must be the quick(enden)est time that an X Factor finalist has found themselves on a different reality TV show so far - but which other acts traded series after attempting to secure a contract with Syco? Here they all are in order of time taken to do so.

1. Jake Quickenden (4 weeks)

Series: 2014

Finished: 12th

After reaching the Judges' Houses in 2012, Quickenden made it to the final 16 this year. He tried desperately to prove that he wasn't just a pretty face with a ripped physique, but it hasn't taken him long to get his kit off for his pre-I'm a Celebrity photoshoot.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Louis Walsh, Mel B and Simon Cowell have spoken... The 12 final X Factor acts have been picked and will be performing at the Live Shows starting this Friday.

A few of the finalists' faces are familiar, so here's where you may have seen some of the final 12 acts before below:

Cheryl's Girls:

Chloe Jasmine

We watched Chloe Jasmine take part on Sky Living modelling reality TV series The Face during which she was mentored by supermodel Naomi Campbell. She impressed all three model judges including Campbell, Caroline Winberg and Erin O'Connor but gracefully exited the show after ranking in tenth place.

She also auditioned on The X Factor back in 2006, with Cowell describing her as "too over the top" and "every parent's nightmare... She doesn't want to work for a living, 'I want it all now'".

The X Factor press team has just confirmed that Chloe Jasmine...

It's actually time to face the music! It seems like it's been a long time coming, but finally The X Factor is back with a refreshed panel – oh hi, Simon and Cheryl; welcome Mel; and, of course, hello to Louis. We're about to find out whether this new line-up will pay off. Join Digital Spy when the show kicks off at 8pm on ITV as we bring you all the action from the first night of auditions in 2014...

21:23But that's that for tonight! Tomorrow, there will be a whole new batch of room auditions for us to laugh at and love. But what did you think about tonight's show? Did you love it? Hate it? Are the panel working for you or not working out at all? Let us know in the comments! And thanks for joining us...

21:22Anyway - that's four yeses for Mr Jay James! So...

Shayne Ward can't wait to hear Simon Cowell's critiques on 'The X Factor'. The 29-year-old singer, who won the second series of the singing competition in 2005, is looking forward to the original judge returning to the show's panel this year - because of his unique, and often harsh, comments to pop wannabes. He told Bang Showbiz: ''We all, over the years ... we all wait for what Simon's gonna say because he loves [those] little lines he says. It's gonna be good!'' Shayne would also like to see former judge Cheryl Cole return to the panel, adding: ''She'd be fantastic on the...

One Direction have become the best-selling X Factor act on Amazon in the UK.

Sales of the boyband's latest album Midnight Memories has clinched them the title, which was held by Olly Murs in November.

1D's latest album was revealed in October as the fastest selling album of all time on Amazon UK based on day one pre-orders alone.

Furthermore, One Direction hold the title as the best selling X Factor act on Amazon in the Us too.

Olly Murs now places second on the British Amazon store, while Jls are in third position.

Meanwhile, One Direction will perform on the final of The X Factor this weekend, alongside fellow special guests Elton John, Katy Perry, The Killers, Gary Barlow and Tom Odell.

The Top 10 best selling X Factor acts on Amazon UK are as follows:

1. One Direction

2. Olly Murs

3. Jls

4. Leona Lewis

5. Rebecca Ferguson

6. Little Mix

7. Joe McElderry

8. Rhydian...