Looking back at the early days of cinema allows us not only the opportunity to see the development of our favourite medium but also discover the hidden gems which may have been forgotten.
Network Releasing are shining their own particular light on some of the lesser-known films from one of the most important studios in British cinema history. The Ealing Studios Rarities Collection Vol. 1 (out on the 8th of April) contains early works from directors such as Carol Reed and Basil Dean and we’ve got a clip and a couple of rare production images from the wonderfully named Cheer Up! for you today.
A struggling playwright hopes to market a musical comedy that he has written in collaboration with another equally penurious composer. Anxious to secure the backing of a millionaire, the two composers only succeed in making him angry — until, following a chain of misunderstandings, they finally emerge triumphant.
Network Releasing are shining their own particular light on some of the lesser-known films from one of the most important studios in British cinema history. The Ealing Studios Rarities Collection Vol. 1 (out on the 8th of April) contains early works from directors such as Carol Reed and Basil Dean and we’ve got a clip and a couple of rare production images from the wonderfully named Cheer Up! for you today.
A struggling playwright hopes to market a musical comedy that he has written in collaboration with another equally penurious composer. Anxious to secure the backing of a millionaire, the two composers only succeed in making him angry — until, following a chain of misunderstandings, they finally emerge triumphant.
- 3/28/2013
- by Michael Walsh
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Vibrant actor who achieved success in Bollywood films, West End musicals and on Coronation Street
Sophiya Haque's performance in Peter Nichols's Privates on Parade, which opened last month at the Noël Coward theatre, marked a high point in the beautiful British Asian actor's West End career, launched 10 years ago with Andrew Lloyd Webber's presentation of Bombay Dreams. As the lustrous Welsh Eurasian Sylvia Morgan, Haque held her own among the knobbly-kneed privates, led by Simon Russell Beale's outrageous Captain Terri Dennis. However, illness forced her to withdraw from the production before the end of the year and she has died of cancer at the age of 41.
Born in Portsmouth, Haque was the youngest of three daughters. She was raised by her mother, Thelma, a divorced schoolteacher. She attended Priory comprehensive school and took dance lessons from the age of two and a half at Mary Forrester's...
Sophiya Haque's performance in Peter Nichols's Privates on Parade, which opened last month at the Noël Coward theatre, marked a high point in the beautiful British Asian actor's West End career, launched 10 years ago with Andrew Lloyd Webber's presentation of Bombay Dreams. As the lustrous Welsh Eurasian Sylvia Morgan, Haque held her own among the knobbly-kneed privates, led by Simon Russell Beale's outrageous Captain Terri Dennis. However, illness forced her to withdraw from the production before the end of the year and she has died of cancer at the age of 41.
Born in Portsmouth, Haque was the youngest of three daughters. She was raised by her mother, Thelma, a divorced schoolteacher. She attended Priory comprehensive school and took dance lessons from the age of two and a half at Mary Forrester's...
- 1/19/2013
- by Michael Coveney
- The Guardian - Film News
Actor Dominic West was the toast of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) TV Awards on Sunday after scoring a top prize for his creepy portrayal of serial killer Fred West.
The Wire star landed the Best Actor prize for his role in U.K. series Appropriate Adult, a reconstruction of the police investigation into the notorious murderer, while his co-star Emily Watson won Best Actress for playing Janet Leach, who sat in on the interviews Fred West gave to cops.
As he collected his award, West said, "I hope she (Leach) has had some closure and I hope she feels we honoured the suffering she endured and the suffering of all of West's victims, living and dead."
Watson appeared emotional as she gave her winner's speech and told the BBC after the ceremony, "It was such a disturbing place to go. In my speech I was very overwhelmed I forgot to thank Janet Leach, she gave very generously to us.
"The public perception of the West case is a tabloid-driven view and then I read the script and it was a very intelligent piece full of integrity. It's a deep abyss right in the middle of our society."
Appropriate Adult enjoyed a triple win at the London ceremony - Monica Dolan won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Rosemary West, nm1377339 autoFred West[/link]'s wife. Sherlock's Andrew Scott fought off competition from his co-star Martin Freeman to win Best Supporting Actor.
Beloved Australian entertainer Rolf Harris was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship in honour of his lengthy career, and as he was applauded he declared, "Thank you so much, that's very moving", before adding, "How nice to be presented with this... I can't begin to tell you just how humbled I am by being here in this distinguished company, so many previous recipients of this BAFTA Fellowship."
Other winners included Shane Meadows' This Is England 88, which took the Best Mini-Series prize, Doctor Who writer Stephen Moffat, who received a Special BAFTA for "outstanding creative writing contribution to television", and Absolutely Fabulous star Jennifer Saunders (Female Performance in a Comedy Programme).
The ceremony also featured a memorial segment, remembering the stars lost in the past 12 months, including Davy Jones, actresses Anna Massey, Googie Withers and Betty Driver, presenters Jimmy Savile and Bob Holness, actors Peter Falk, George Baker and Colin Tarrant, and comedian Frank Carson.
Presenters at the ceremony included West, actresses Helen McCrory, Melissa George and Emilia Fox, and actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Matt Smith, Sam Claflin and Timothy Spall.
The Wire star landed the Best Actor prize for his role in U.K. series Appropriate Adult, a reconstruction of the police investigation into the notorious murderer, while his co-star Emily Watson won Best Actress for playing Janet Leach, who sat in on the interviews Fred West gave to cops.
As he collected his award, West said, "I hope she (Leach) has had some closure and I hope she feels we honoured the suffering she endured and the suffering of all of West's victims, living and dead."
Watson appeared emotional as she gave her winner's speech and told the BBC after the ceremony, "It was such a disturbing place to go. In my speech I was very overwhelmed I forgot to thank Janet Leach, she gave very generously to us.
"The public perception of the West case is a tabloid-driven view and then I read the script and it was a very intelligent piece full of integrity. It's a deep abyss right in the middle of our society."
Appropriate Adult enjoyed a triple win at the London ceremony - Monica Dolan won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Rosemary West, nm1377339 autoFred West[/link]'s wife. Sherlock's Andrew Scott fought off competition from his co-star Martin Freeman to win Best Supporting Actor.
Beloved Australian entertainer Rolf Harris was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship in honour of his lengthy career, and as he was applauded he declared, "Thank you so much, that's very moving", before adding, "How nice to be presented with this... I can't begin to tell you just how humbled I am by being here in this distinguished company, so many previous recipients of this BAFTA Fellowship."
Other winners included Shane Meadows' This Is England 88, which took the Best Mini-Series prize, Doctor Who writer Stephen Moffat, who received a Special BAFTA for "outstanding creative writing contribution to television", and Absolutely Fabulous star Jennifer Saunders (Female Performance in a Comedy Programme).
The ceremony also featured a memorial segment, remembering the stars lost in the past 12 months, including Davy Jones, actresses Anna Massey, Googie Withers and Betty Driver, presenters Jimmy Savile and Bob Holness, actors Peter Falk, George Baker and Colin Tarrant, and comedian Frank Carson.
Presenters at the ceremony included West, actresses Helen McCrory, Melissa George and Emilia Fox, and actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Matt Smith, Sam Claflin and Timothy Spall.
- 5/28/2012
- WENN
Coronation Street star Paula Lane has admitted that she found it tough to film Kylie Platt's reaction to Betty Williams's death. This week's Coronation Street episodes have seen the local residents left saddened by the news that Betty has passed away. Kylie, however, has shown that she isn't affected by the loss of the long-serving Rovers barmaid. In real life, Betty Driver - who played Betty for 42 years - died in October 2011 following a period of ill health. Coincidentally, Kylie and husband David (Jack P Shepherd) were the two characters who shared her final scene last summer. Lane told Daybreak of filming Betty's send-off episodes: "It was really sad. That's been building for a while, because Betty died a little while back now. So it was very sad, and of course I've got to play Kylie at the same time (more)...
- 4/18/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' residents are to plead with Betty Williams' son to get her buried in Weatherfield. Her son, Gordon Clegg, will arrive in the street to deliver the bad news of the his mother - who was written out last year after the tragic passing of Betty Driver, who played her - and his plans to have her buried near his home in London are met with some protest from her friends in Weatherfield. Bill Kenwright, who plays Gordon, said: ''Gordon's bowled over by the reaction. He's already decided to bury her in London so he can be close to her.
- 4/13/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street's Betty Williams will be revealed as the rightful owner of Rovers Return. The late barmaid - who was played by Betty Driver for 42 years until her death in October 2011 - was left the pub in snobbish landlady Annie Walker's (Doris Speed) will in the 1980s, but the hotpot-making cook kept it hidden from everyone. Betty's secret will be uncovered when her friends start clearing out her house after her on-screen funeral, but the ''bombshell'' could pose a problem for current landlady Stella Price (Michelle Collins). Producer Phil Collinson explained: ''We've waited a respectful while to say good...
- 4/3/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson has revealed the details of Betty Williams's big secret. The ITV1 soap gives Betty an emotional send-off later this month after her son Gordon returns to Weatherfield and announces that she has passed away. In real life, Betty Driver - who played the role of Betty for 42 years - died in October 2011 at the age of 91 following a period of ill health. As announced earlier this year, Betty's tribute episodes will include the revelation of a long-held secret kept by the popular character. Collinson confirmed the full storyline on This Morning today (April 2), explaining: "What they discover as they're clearing out her house is that Annie Walker, who was the landlady of the Rovers Return for the first 20 years of the show, actually bequeathed The Rovers to Betty in her will. "Betty carried this (more)...
- 4/2/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Veteran British actress June Whitfield was honoured for her lengthy career at the U.K.'s Television and Radio Industries Club awards on Tuesday.
The 86 year old is a small screen favourite, appearing in popular shows including Absolutely Fabulous, and also starred in several Carry On films.
She was handed the Tric Special Award at the London ceremony in honour of her achievements.
Other winners at the event included Aussie pop star Peter Andre (Satellite/Digital TV Personality) and hit period drama Downton Abbey (HD Drama Programme of the Year).
Late actress Betty Driver, who died last year, was posthumously honoured with the TV Soap Personality prize for her longrunning role in Coronation Street.
The 86 year old is a small screen favourite, appearing in popular shows including Absolutely Fabulous, and also starred in several Carry On films.
She was handed the Tric Special Award at the London ceremony in honour of her achievements.
Other winners at the event included Aussie pop star Peter Andre (Satellite/Digital TV Personality) and hit period drama Downton Abbey (HD Drama Programme of the Year).
Late actress Betty Driver, who died last year, was posthumously honoured with the TV Soap Personality prize for her longrunning role in Coronation Street.
- 3/14/2012
- WENN
BBC soap EastEnders and the late Coronation Street star Betty Driver have both been honoured at the 2012 Television and Radio Industries Club (Tric) Awards. EastEnders was named 'TV Soap of the Year' at this afternoon's (March 13) ceremony, which was held at Grosvenor House in London. The Walford serial triumphed over rivals Coronation Street and Emmerdale, which had also been nominated in the category. Cast members Tameka Empson (Kim Fox) and Chucky Venn (Ray Dixon) were among those present to collect the award. EastEnders' win is the first time that the show has secured a 'Best Soap' prize this year as Coronation Street came out on top at the National Television Awards and Broadcast Awards.
Pictured left: Tameka Empson (more)...
Pictured left: Tameka Empson (more)...
- 3/13/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Bill Kenwright has admitted that he has broken a deathbed pledge to late Coronation Street actress Betty Driver. The theatre producer and Everton football club chairman, who last played Driver's on-screen son Gordon Clegg in the soap in 1995, said that he promised her that he would never come back to work there but has now decided to return. Kenwright told The Sun that he visited Driver shortly before she died in hospital in October, aged 91. He said: "She was a star till the end. I went to visit her in hospital. She was in and out of consciousness. "I whispered that if she knew it was me to squeeze my hand, and she did. I told her I'd only return to the Street if she were there, upon which she raised herself up and whispered that I dared not go back without her!" Kenwright, who paid tribute (more)...
- 3/13/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' writers are to reveal Betty Williams took a "secret" to her grave. A special tribute episode to the legendary character - played by late actress Betty Driver for 42 years - will see the barmaid's friends and family gather on the cobbles to mourn her and remember her life in Weatherfield before a closely guarded secret is revealed to them all. 'Corrie' boss Phil Collinson told Inside Soap magazine: "We'll be paying tribute to her, but there'll also be the revelation of something she's kept hidden. "I can't tell you what that is yet, but it's a secret that Betty has...
- 2/1/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street' writers are to reveal Betty Williams took a "secret" to her grave. A special tribute episode to the legendary character - played by late actress Betty Driver for 42 years - will see the barmaid's friends and family gather on the cobbles to mourn her and remember her life in Weatherfield before a closely guarded secret is revealed to them all. 'Corrie' boss Phil Collinson told Inside Soap magazine: "We'll be paying tribute to her, but there'll also be the revelation of something she's kept hidden. "I can't tell you what that is yet, but it's a secret that Betty has...
- 1/31/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts has revealed that characters from the show's past will return for the funeral of Betty Williams. Betty Driver, who had played the part since 1969, passed away in October at the age of 91. She is yet to be written out on screen. According to the Manchester Evening News, Roberts said that old faces from Betty's 42-year stay in Weatherfield will reappear for her April send-off. Roberts teased: "I think we've come up with a fitting exit for her. It'll be shown in the spring. It's important we get that right because she was so loved by the fans and by all of us who work on Coronation Street. "But it will mainly be about her and saying goodbye to her with the right amount of respect and the right tone." There (more)...
- 1/27/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street bosses have revealed the first details of Betty Williams's send-off from the show - promising that fans will discover a long-held secret kept by the much-loved character. Betty Driver, who played the role of Betty for 42 years, passed away in October at the age of 91 following a period of ill health. Show chiefs are now working on a fitting exit for her alter ego. Coronation Street's producer Phil Collinson told the Daily Star that the scenes will air in three months' time - with a surprise in store for viewers. Collinson commented: "Betty's funeral will be shown in April and the scenes will be a treat for fans as they will be a celebration of what the Street does best. "We will be paying tribute to Betty, but behind the scenes will be the revelation of a secret she has kept hidden. I cannot tell you what it is,...
- 1/26/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hit British period drama Downton Abbey won yet another award on Wednesday night when it was named Best Drama at the National Television Awards in London.
The hugely successful series, which stars Dame Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville, collected one the main awards at the event, which celebrates the best in British TV.
Dr Who was also a big winner - the sci-fi series' stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan took home prizes for Top Male and Top Female performances
Simon Cowell's The X Factor was named Best Talent Show for a third year running, and TV favourites Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly broke National Television Awards records when they picked up the Best Entertainment Presenter(s) for an 11th successive year.
Comedian Alan Carr won the Best Talkshow prize for his popular Chatty Man series and the cast of Britain's longest running soap, Coronation Street, paid a special tribute to late actress Betty Driver, who passed away last year. Driver was a regular on the show for 42 years. The soap also took home the Best Serial Drama honour.
The hugely successful series, which stars Dame Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville, collected one the main awards at the event, which celebrates the best in British TV.
Dr Who was also a big winner - the sci-fi series' stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan took home prizes for Top Male and Top Female performances
Simon Cowell's The X Factor was named Best Talent Show for a third year running, and TV favourites Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly broke National Television Awards records when they picked up the Best Entertainment Presenter(s) for an 11th successive year.
Comedian Alan Carr won the Best Talkshow prize for his popular Chatty Man series and the cast of Britain's longest running soap, Coronation Street, paid a special tribute to late actress Betty Driver, who passed away last year. Driver was a regular on the show for 42 years. The soap also took home the Best Serial Drama honour.
- 1/26/2012
- WENN
Coronation Street legend Betty Driver left behind almost £1 million in her will, a report has claimed. Probate records show that the Weatherfield veteran's total estate was worth £987,900 and stood at £938,198 after liabilities were paid, according to The Sun. Driver, who had no children, is believed to have left her Cheshire home, car and most of her personal possessions to close friends Charles Orr and Brian Lynch. Her cousin Rosemary Hirst and a handful of other friends also reportedly benefited from the will. Driver passed away at the age of 91 in October last year following a period of ill health. Family, friends and Coronation Street colleagues (more)...
- 1/12/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the final six months of 2011...
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
- 1/1/2012
- WENN
Coronation Street's new recruit Robert Vaughn will be using Betty Driver's old dressing room when he arrives for filming at the soap this week, according to a report. The Hollywood actor has joined the cast of the ITV1 show for a guest stint as wealthy Milton, who turns up in Weatherfield after enjoying a holiday romance with Sylvia Goodwin (Stephanie Cole) on a cruise. He is expected to shoot his first scenes on Wednesday. Driver's prestigious dressing room was locked up after the veteran actress passed away at the age of 91 in October. However, The Mirror reports that it has now been prepared for Vaughn's arrival. A Coronation Street source told the newspaper: "It's an honour to get Betty's room - she is still sorely missed. And what a fitting (more)...
- 12/5/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street stars of yesteryear could make a one-off return for Betty Driver's on-screen farewell. Jean Alexander (Hilda Ogden), Julie Goodyear and Roy Barraclough (Bet and Alec Gilroy), Sarah Lancashire (Raquel Watts) and Cheryl Murray (Suzie Birchall) are all in the frame to appear at the character's funeral, according to The Sunday Mirror. "It is one of the most spectacular episodes to have ever been discussed for someone's final farewell," a source claimed. "Everyone loved Betty Driver and, (more)...
- 10/30/2011
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has shared her memories of her late colleague Betty Driver, saying that it was a "pleasure" to have known her. Driver, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, died peacefully in hospital earlier this month at the age of 91. Her funeral took place in Manchester on Saturday. McAlpine, better known as Weatherfield's Fiz Stape, told This Morning today: "It was obviously such sad news for us. However, we had a real celebration for her on the weekend just gone. "It was her funeral and it was wonderful. Helen Worth spoke and Bill Kenwright, who of course came in and played the lovely Gordon - he spoke beautifully. And they put a big screen up in St Ann's Square in Manchester, so that the fans could watch." The actress added that plans to give Betty a fitting (more)...
- 10/28/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street legend Julie Goodyear is hoping to make a one-off return to the soap for Betty Williams's funeral episode, a report has claimed. Bosses at the ITV1 show are currently planning a fitting send-off for Betty after Betty Driver, who played the long-serving barmaid, passed away at the age of 91 earlier this month. Goodyear, better known as Bet Lynch, worked alongside Driver on Coronation Street for 25 years and reports suggest that she now wants to be part of her former colleague's exit storyline. "She's not coming back permanently but she's up for doing an episode," an insider told The Sun. "Nothing is set in stone yet, but a funeral with stars past and present would be really fitting. "[Betty] deserves a tribute episode and everyone wants to honour her memory and her work." Goodyear was present at (more)...
- 10/25/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
A number of British soap stars turned out to pay their respects to late actress Betty Driver at her funeral in Manchester, England on Saturday.
The veteran Coronation Street star passed away earlier this month at the age of 91 and many of her former co-stars were among the mourners at her memorial service at the city's St Ann’s Church.
William Roache, Sue Nicholls, Julie Goodyear, Michael Le Vell and Bill Tarmey were among the congregation, while Bill Kenwright, who played Driver's onscreen son, and Helen Worth, who plays Gail McIntyre in the soap, both spoke during the service.
Worth told the crowd, "How do we say goodbye to her? In the way she wanted us to do with a smile, remembering her infectious laugh, her perfume which announced her arrival, her love of life and everyone in it and celebrate with joy the glorious 91 years of Betty Driver."
The funeral was screened for fans outside the church, at Driver's request, and she also asked for the service to take place on a Saturday so her colleagues would not miss a day of filming.
A recording of Driver singing The World Will Sing Again was also played to the congregation and was met with a standing ovation.
The veteran Coronation Street star passed away earlier this month at the age of 91 and many of her former co-stars were among the mourners at her memorial service at the city's St Ann’s Church.
William Roache, Sue Nicholls, Julie Goodyear, Michael Le Vell and Bill Tarmey were among the congregation, while Bill Kenwright, who played Driver's onscreen son, and Helen Worth, who plays Gail McIntyre in the soap, both spoke during the service.
Worth told the crowd, "How do we say goodbye to her? In the way she wanted us to do with a smile, remembering her infectious laugh, her perfume which announced her arrival, her love of life and everyone in it and celebrate with joy the glorious 91 years of Betty Driver."
The funeral was screened for fans outside the church, at Driver's request, and she also asked for the service to take place on a Saturday so her colleagues would not miss a day of filming.
A recording of Driver singing The World Will Sing Again was also played to the congregation and was met with a standing ovation.
- 10/23/2011
- WENN
Coronation Street's great and good gathered together for Betty Driver's funeral yesterday (22.10.11). After the 91-year-old TV legend - who played hotpot-loving Betty Williams in the ITV1 soap - passed away peacefully last weekend, the likes of Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth) and Julie Goodyear (Bet Lynch) packed into Manchester's St. Ann's Church to pay their respects to the star. Helen Worth - who plays Gail McIntyre in 'Corrie' - led a series of emotional tributes to the late actress, paying reference to her alter-ego's infamous hotpot dish. She said: "The world was a more comfortable place with Our Betty...
- 10/23/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Family, friends and colleagues of Coronation Street star Betty Driver gathered in Manchester today for her funeral. Hundreds of fans also gathered outside St Ann's Church in the city centre to pay their respects to the actress, who died peacefully last week at the age of 91. Images Tweeted by Granada Reports and reporter Ben Schofield show stars of Coronation Street both past and present attending the funeral, as well as those who worked with her during her time as a big band singer and film actress. Flowers were laid outside the church ahead of the service, which was broadcast to onlookers on a big screen outside the venue. Coronation Street co-star Helen Worth, who plays Gail McIntyre, paid tribute to "91 glorious years of our Betty Driver", who "just wanted the whole world to be (more)...
- 10/22/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's great and good gathered together for Betty Driver's funeral yesterday (22.10.11). After the 91-year-old TV legend - who played hotpot-loving Betty Williams in the ITV1 soap - passed away peacefully last weekend, the likes of Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth) and Julie Goodyear (Bet Lynch) packed into Manchester's St. Ann's Church to pay their respects to the star. Helen Worth - who plays Gail McIntyre in 'Corrie' - led a series of emotional tributes to the late actress, paying reference to her alter-ego's infamous hotpot dish. She said: "The world was a more comfortable place with Our Betty...
- 10/20/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street legend Betty Driver's funeral will take place on Saturday, it has been announced. The popular actress, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, passed away last weekend following a period of ill health. She was 91. Driver's funeral will be held at St Ann's Church in St Ann's Square, Manchester at 11.30am on Saturday. The service will be attended by hundreds of the star's friends and colleagues who worked with her throughout her career on Coronation Street, and previously as a big band singer and film actress. Details of speakers at the service are expected to be announced on Saturday. Tributes have been pouring in for Driver over the past few days following the (more)...
- 10/20/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
ITV1's tribute to late Coronation Street actress Betty Driver was watched by more than 4.2m on Monday night, while Terra Nova continued to perform for Sky1, according to overnight data. Special documentary The Betty Driver Story was seen by 4.27m (16.8%) on ITV1 from 8pm, and a further 105k (0.4%) on ITV1+1. Steven Spielberg's blockbuster science fiction series Terra Nova stayed strong on Sky1, entertaining 826k (3.3%) in the 8pm hour. Back on the terrestrials, Doc Martin appealed to 8.86m (35.2%) on ITV1 in the 9pm hour and 279k (1.6%) on +1, easily outperforming Motorway Cops's 3.38m (13.4%) on BBC One. Inside Out had 3.6m (15.6%) on BBC One from 7.30pm, and Panorama mustered 3.39m (13.6%) from 8.30pm. A Question of Sport fetched 2.62m (18.3%) from 10.45pm, while ITV1's Exposure (more)...
- 10/18/2011
- by By Andrew Laughlin
- Digital Spy
Bill Roache has paid tribute to his late 'Coronation Street' co-star Betty Driver, saying she was like a mother to him. The 79-year-old actor was upset by the news the 91-year-old actress - who played barmaid Betty Turpin for 42 years - passed away peacefully on Saturday (15.10.11), and says she'll be missed by the whole cast because she looked out for every single one of them. Bill - who has played Ken Barlow on the ITV1 soap since 1960 - said: "Betty's death was incredibly sad news - though not entirely unexpected. Betty was a loving, generous, caring person, where humour...
- 10/17/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street star Malcolm Hebden and former cast member Beverley Callard have today joined the tributes which are pouring in for their late colleague Betty Driver. Driver, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Saturday. She had been in hospital for six weeks. Hebden, better known as Weatherfield busybody Norris Cole, told Daybreak this morning: "It's a very sad day for all of us, I'm afraid. It wasn't entirely unexpected, but Betty was such a central part of the show for so many years - I'm afraid we're all feeling a bit glum today." He continued: "Betty had been a professional and very successful since she was about 14 years old. I myself remember seeing Betty as a child, singing at the Opera House in Blackpool. She was what we call a trouper. (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's producer Phil Collinson has promised that the soap will give Betty Driver's character Betty Williams "a brilliant send-off". Driver passed away peacefully in hospital on Saturday following a period of ill health. She was 91. Coronation Street bosses are now considering how the departure of the actress's legendary character will be addressed on screen following her 42-year stint on the cobbles. Speaking on This Morning today, Collinson said that it was too early to reveal exact details of what is being planned. He explained: "I've only just got together this morning with some of the script department, and then we'll talk to the writers next week. But we'll do something brilliant and magnificent. We'll give her a brilliant send-off. She deserves it." Collinson also hailed Driver (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street actor Bill Roache has paid tribute to his late co-star Betty Driver, hailing her as a "real colossus" of the show. Driver, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, passed away peacefully in hospital on Saturday following a period of ill health. She was 91. Roache, best known for portraying Weatherfield's Ken Barlow since episode one in 1960, has now spoken of his close friendship with the actress, who was godmother to his son James. "Betty was a loving, generous, caring person, where humour was never far away," Roache told The Sun. "She was an 'Earth mother', always happy and jolly. "Though she never had any children of her own, it was as if we were all hers. She had so much love to give - and it was such a pure love, too. It made her perfect to be (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street legend Betty Driver will be honoured on screen tonight as a documentary about her life is broadcast in her memory. The Betty Driver Story, which originally aired in February, will be repeated on ITV1 this evening at 8pm, the Manchester Evening News reports. An ITV spokesperson told the newspaper that an announcement will be made on screen confirming that the documentary is being shown as a tribute following Driver's death. The programme will be sandwiched between Monday night's usual Coronation Street double bill. Driver, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, died peacefully in hospital on Saturday morning at the age of 91. The actress had been suffering from ill health since May, when she was struck down with pneumonia. Betty's final appearance on screen aired towards the end of that (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Singer, comic actor and stalwart of Coronation Street
Betty Driver, who has died aged 91, was a gutsy and durable comic actor who meant one thing to young audiences and quite another to those who could remember the second world war and the years immediately after it. To the youthful, she will be remembered as Betty Turpin (later Betty Williams), the barmaid, shoulder to cry on and wife of the policeman Cyril Turpin in Granada television's Coronation Street, whose cast she joined in 1969.
To a much older audience, she will also be remembered for her appearances in repertory theatres and in stage revues; as the child star who took over from the popular singer Gracie Fields on a stage tour, doing some of her best-known numbers; and as the principal singer for a year with the leading dance orchestra leader of the time, Henry Hall, on his BBC radio programme,...
Betty Driver, who has died aged 91, was a gutsy and durable comic actor who meant one thing to young audiences and quite another to those who could remember the second world war and the years immediately after it. To the youthful, she will be remembered as Betty Turpin (later Betty Williams), the barmaid, shoulder to cry on and wife of the policeman Cyril Turpin in Granada television's Coronation Street, whose cast she joined in 1969.
To a much older audience, she will also be remembered for her appearances in repertory theatres and in stage revues; as the child star who took over from the popular singer Gracie Fields on a stage tour, doing some of her best-known numbers; and as the principal singer for a year with the leading dance orchestra leader of the time, Henry Hall, on his BBC radio programme,...
- 10/16/2011
- by Dennis Barker
- The Guardian - Film News
Elizabeth Mary Driver was born on May 20, 1920 in Leicester. The daughter of a policeman, her family moved to Manchester when she was two, where by her own admission she experienced an unhappy childhood. Driver and her sister Freda were never given any affection by their mother Nellie, and she was pushed into becoming a child star at the tender age of eight after her mother discovered she could sing. "I was the meal ticket for the entire family," she later revealed. At 12, she was touring the UK and attending different schools every week. When Driver reached 14, she secured the leading role in the revue Mr Tower of London. George Formby later cast her in Boots! Boots!, but her scenes as a cabaret singer were left out of the final cut at the insistence of Formby's wife, Beryl, who didn't want to be upstaged. By the age of 21, Driver finally had...
- 10/15/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Veteran British actress Betty Driver has died at the age of 91.
Driver, who has starred in longrunning U.K. soap Coronation Street for 42 years, passed away "peacefully in hospital" in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Her death comes just months after she was admitted to a hospital in Stockport, north-west England with suspected pneumonia.
She celebrated her 91st birthday in the facility in May and was later released, but was re-admitted last month.
Her Coronation Street co-star Barbara Knox says, "I have lost a very dear friend and the Street has lost a very great character, a professional to her fingertips - she will be greatly missed."
Former co-star Julie Goodyear adds, "It was an honour and a privilege to work with Betty Driver for 25 years. We laughed together, we cried together and never once had a cross word. She was a totally professional actress. A true icon and legend and a very dear friend. She will be missed and remembered by millions."...
Driver, who has starred in longrunning U.K. soap Coronation Street for 42 years, passed away "peacefully in hospital" in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Her death comes just months after she was admitted to a hospital in Stockport, north-west England with suspected pneumonia.
She celebrated her 91st birthday in the facility in May and was later released, but was re-admitted last month.
Her Coronation Street co-star Barbara Knox says, "I have lost a very dear friend and the Street has lost a very great character, a professional to her fingertips - she will be greatly missed."
Former co-star Julie Goodyear adds, "It was an honour and a privilege to work with Betty Driver for 25 years. We laughed together, we cried together and never once had a cross word. She was a totally professional actress. A true icon and legend and a very dear friend. She will be missed and remembered by millions."...
- 10/15/2011
- WENN
The soap world lost one of its most legendary stars today as Coronation Street actress Betty Driver passed away at the age of 91. Driver's showbiz career spanned eight decades, with stints in the West End and entertaining troops during the Second World War before she landed her iconic role as Betty Williams in the ITV show in 1969. Over 2,800 Coronation (more)...
- 10/15/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street stars past and present have been paying tribute to Betty Driver today, following news of her death. The actress, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, "died peacefully" on Saturday morning after spending the last six weeks in hospital. Some of the ITV1 show's biggest stars have since released statements and written messages on Twitter remembering the Weatherfield legend, whose character was famous for her hotpot. Jennie McAlpine (Fiz Stape): "Betty. What a lady. What a life. Wonderful to have known her xx" Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster): "Just heard that Betty Driver has died. Absolute legend. She will be so missed x Thoughts are with Mark Hudson who was also very close x" Andrew Lancel (Frank Foster): "Dear wonderful Betty Driver has died. An extraordinary (more)...
- 10/15/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street legend Betty Driver has died aged 91, it has been announced. The actress, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, "died peacefully in hospital" early on Saturday morning, an ITV spokesman confirmed. She had been in hospital for six weeks. Driver, who was appointed an MBE in 1999, had been suffering from ill health since May, when she was admitted to hospital suffering from pneumonia. She celebrated her 91st birthday at the hospital and later said she was looking forward to returning to Coronation Street. "I am looking forward to getting back to work. It's lovely in here, but I am looking forward to getting home soon. It's been a wonderful birthday," she said at the time. "She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her," the spokesman added. Coronation Street's executive (more)...
- 10/15/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' actress Betty Driver has died. The 91-year-old veteran star - who played hotpot-loving Betty Williams in the ITV1 soap - "died peacefully in hospital" early this morning (15.10.11) after being admitted six weeks ago. An ITV spokesman said: "She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her." Betty's co-stars rushed to pay tribute to her today with Barbara Knox, who plays Rita Sullivan saying: "I have lost a very dear friend and the Street has lost a very great character, a professional to her fingertips - she will be greatly missed." Julie Goodyear, who starred as fellow barmaid Bet Lynch...
- 10/13/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Veteran British actress Betty Driver celebrated her 91st birthday in hospital on Friday after she was admitted with suspected pneumonia earlier this month.
Driver, who has starred in longrunning U.K. soap Coronation Street for 42 years, was taken to a hospital in Stockport, north-west England after falling ill.
She has remained under doctors' care ever since and was surprised with visits and gifts from her co-stars to mark her birthday on Friday.
And the actress has vowed to return to work as soon as she's well enough.
Driver says, "I am looking forward to getting back to work. It's lovely in here, but I am looking forward to getting home soon. It's been a wonderful birthday."
Her co-star Sue Nicholls adds, "It's a delight to see Betty looking so well, that's the best present for all her fans and friends."...
Driver, who has starred in longrunning U.K. soap Coronation Street for 42 years, was taken to a hospital in Stockport, north-west England after falling ill.
She has remained under doctors' care ever since and was surprised with visits and gifts from her co-stars to mark her birthday on Friday.
And the actress has vowed to return to work as soon as she's well enough.
Driver says, "I am looking forward to getting back to work. It's lovely in here, but I am looking forward to getting home soon. It's been a wonderful birthday."
Her co-star Sue Nicholls adds, "It's a delight to see Betty looking so well, that's the best present for all her fans and friends."...
- 5/21/2011
- WENN
Coronation Street star Betty Driver has revealed that she is looking forward to returning to work. The actress, who has played Betty Williams for 42 years, was speaking as she celebrated her 91st birthday at the private Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Stockport, surrounded by cards and flowers from both well-wishers and co-stars. Driver was admitted to the hospital earlier this month with pneumonia. According to The Mirror, she said: "I am looking forward to getting back to work. (more)...
- 5/21/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver is celebrating her 91st birthday in hospital today. The much-loved Coronation Street actress was admitted to an undisclosed Greater Manchester hospital last week with suspected pneumonia. Driver, who has played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, was said to be "in good spirits" as she received treatment. A report had claimed that she could have been discharged before her birthday. According to The Sun, cast and crew are planning to mark (more)...
- 5/20/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver could be released from hospital in time for her 91st birthday, reports suggest. The popular Coronation Street actress, who portrays barmaid Betty Williams on the ITV1 soap, was admitted to an undisclosed Greater Manchester hospital last week with symptoms of pneumonia. The Sun quotes a friend of Driver as saying: "[Betty] is being kept in for observation. She's in good spirits." A report late last week said that Driver was "in good spirits" as she received (more)...
- 5/16/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver could be released from hospital in time for her 91st birthday, reports suggest. The popular Coronation Street actress, who portrays barmaid Betty Williams on the ITV1 soap, was admitted to an undisclosed Greater Manchester hospital last week with symptoms of pneumonia. The Sun quotes a friend of Driver as saying: "[Betty] is being kept in for observation. She's in good spirits." A report late last week said that Driver was "in good spirits" as she received (more)...
- 5/16/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Betty Driver is said to be in "good spirits" as she recovers in hospital from a suspect case of pneumonia. The actress, who has played Betty Williams in the ITV1 soap for 42 years, was admitted to an undisclosed hospital in Greater Manchester earlier this week. Sources told the Daily Express that the much-loved 90-year-old actress is "in good spirits" as she is carefully treated. Meanwhile, The Sun states that Driver won't leave hospital until 'at least' the weekend, (more)...
- 5/13/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Veteran British actress Betty Driver has been admitted to hospital with suspected pneumonia, just days before her 91st birthday.
Driver, who has starred in longrunning U.K. soap Coronation Street for 42 years, was rushed to a medical facility earlier this week (begs09May11), prompting TV bosses to frantically rewrite her upcoming scenes, according to Britain's The Sun.
An insider tells the publication, "Obviously we are all worried because Betty is such a huge part of the show.
"She's an absolute trouper and still turns up for work and puts in a flawless performance. We've all sent our love and best wishes and are hoping for the best."
A Coronation Street spokesperson confirms, "Betty has been taken to hospital. We are all wishing her a speedy recovery."
Driver will turn 91 on 20 May.
Driver, who has starred in longrunning U.K. soap Coronation Street for 42 years, was rushed to a medical facility earlier this week (begs09May11), prompting TV bosses to frantically rewrite her upcoming scenes, according to Britain's The Sun.
An insider tells the publication, "Obviously we are all worried because Betty is such a huge part of the show.
"She's an absolute trouper and still turns up for work and puts in a flawless performance. We've all sent our love and best wishes and are hoping for the best."
A Coronation Street spokesperson confirms, "Betty has been taken to hospital. We are all wishing her a speedy recovery."
Driver will turn 91 on 20 May.
- 5/12/2011
- WENN
Betty Driver has been admitted to hospital. The 90-year-old actress, who has played barmaid Betty Williams in Coronation Street for 42 years, is believed to be suffering from pneumonia only a year after being hospitalised for a chest infection. A Coronation Street spokesperson said: "Betty has been taken to hospital. We are all wishing her a speedy recovery." An industry insider told the Daily Express: "Everyone loves Betty, she's part of the heart and soul of Corrie. We're all very worried. We know she's an elderly woman but she's always (more)...
- 5/11/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver has been rushed to hospital. The 90-year-old actress, who has played barmaid Betty Williams in Coronation Street for 42 years, is believed to be suffering from pneumonia only a year after being hospitalised for a chest infection. A Coronation Street spokesperson said: "Betty has been taken to hospital. We are all wishing her a speedy recovery." An industry insider told the Daily Express: "Everyone loves Betty, she's part of the heart and soul of Corrie. We're all very worried. We know she's an elderly woman but she's always (more)...
- 5/11/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy Weddings continued to prove immensely popular on Tuesday evening, eclipsing Silent Witness on BBC One, according to the latest audience data. The Cutting Edge documentary, exploring the unique lives of gypsies and travellers in Britain, averaged 6.45m (23.8%) for Channel 4 from 9pm, up 420k week-on-week. A further 1.04m (5.7%) tuned in an hour later, the biggest multichannel audience of the night. Big Fat Gypsy Weddings just outperformed Silent Witness in the 9pm hour, after the drama brought in 6.37m (23.5%) on BBC One. Both shows proved too strong for Taggart, which had 2.4m (8.9%) on ITV1. Holby City pulled in 5.96m (24.5%) in the 8pm hour, beating The Betty Driver Story's 3.71m (15.2%) on ITV1. Earlier, The One Show entertained 4.81m (21.6%) on BBC One from 7pm, while Grimefighters (more)...
- 2/2/2011
- by By Andrew Laughlin
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver has revealed that she would like her Coronation Street character Betty Williams to have a proper conversation with Ken Barlow. In an interview with the TV Times, Driver noted that the Rovers barmaid has had almost nothing to do with Bill Roache's long-standing character during her entire history on the show. The actress made her Corrie debut back in 1969, while Roache has appeared in the (more)...
- 1/26/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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