ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are drafting their dream-day team. The pair of one year are "starting to finalize" wedding arrangements," a source close to the couple reveals in the new issue of Us Weekly. "They've met with vendors." Though the 47-year-old mom of sons Kingston, 10, Zuma, 8, and Apollo, 2 (with ex Gavin Rossdale), and the Voice coach, 40 (who split from wife Miranda Lambert in July 2015), have yet to publicly confirm their engagement, a second pal insists they hope to marry "before the end of the year." Stefani recently opened up about the demise of her marriage and finding new love in Glamour's December issue. "Sometimes to be woken up again in life, you need to go through some really bad, hard times," she told the mag. "I feel like I got woken up this year. The "Used to Love You" singer went on to admit that she felt like a "failure" when her 13-year marriage imploded last August. (Stefani has never gone into specifics about what went wrong, but Us Weekly broke the news last November that Rossdale had been cheating on her with their children's nanny Mindy Mann.) "The intention of being married is the vow, right?" she said, noting that her parents just celebrated their 50th anniversary. "You want to put everything into it to make it a success." Stefani, who will rejoin Shelton on The Voice next season, added she's in a "new place," thanks to her love. "He was a friend when I needed a friend," she gushed. "An unexpected gift." Shelton can be equally gooey. In August, he told Late Night host Seth Meyers he couldn't believe Stefani would date him. "I thought she must have, like, some vision problems," joked the country star. "Maybe she needs help, I don't know." (US Weekly)

Former Bachelorette Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum Welcome a Baby Girl. We have another Bachelorette baby in our midst! E! News has learned that former Bachelorette star Ashley Hebert and hubby J.P. Rosenbaum have welcomed their second child together, a daughter named Essex Reese Rosenbaum, on Friday, Nov. 4 in Miami, Fla. Nicknamed "Essie," the pair's baby girl weighed in at 7 lbs., 11 oz. and measured 19 inches long, according to People magazine, who first reported the story. "Both mommy and beautiful baby Essie are doing great," the proud father told the mag. Rosenbaum also took to Twitter to share that little Essie is already a daddy's girl. The couple's daughter is now little sister to their first child (and now big brother), 2-year-old Fordham Rhys. The excited couple shared the happy pregnancy news on Twitter back in May, along with a photo of the expectant reality star holding up a pair of pink little baby booties. "100% excited that we're #Clearblueconfirmed w/baby #2, my face says I'm 78% nervous b/c #ItsAGirl," Rosenbaum wrote next to the cute snapshot of them. Hebert took to Instagram to write, "I can't hold it in any longer... My heart is bursting with love... These booties are just the start, can't wait to stock up on cute tutus and sparkles for my #babygirl." The couple met back in 2011 on the hit ABC show and tied the knot for the world to see in a televised wedding in December 2012. Chris Harrison, the only man who has made it through every season of both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, officiated the Pasadena, Calif., ceremony. A source told E! News at the time that among the 200-some guests in the crowd were some familiar faces, including Bachelor/Bachelorette vets Ali Fedotowsky, Emily Maynard, and Jason and Molly Mesnick, and Jillian Harris and Sean Lowe. Congratulations to the happy family! (Eonline)

Manzo'd With Children Star Lauren Manzo Reveals the Sex and Due Date of Her Baby. Lauren Manzo is having a baby girl! The Manzo'd With Children star made the exciting announcement during an appearance on Bravo's The Daily Dish, where she also revealed the arrival of her first child with hubby Vito Scalia is just around the corner. "I'm due February 26, and there's only 28 days in February and it's a first pregnancy, so I'm kind of saying it's going to be the beginning of March," Manzo revealed alongside mom Caroline Manzo. Lauren continued, "But the baby's going to be a Pisces, which I was freaking out over at first, because there's a couple Pisces that I know that I can't stand. I said to my doctor, 'Maybe we could just do a C-section two weeks early and then it can be an Aquarius.'" LOL! But upon sharing her pre-baby worries with a few close pals and fellow Pisces, Manzo changed her mind: "I think I'll be ok with a Pisces baby. But I butt heads with Pisces because Pisces are sensitive and I don't have time for that." Back in September, the proud mama-to-be released an exclusive statement to E! News about her pregnancy. "Vito and I are so happy to announce that we are expecting our first child, due early 2017," she told us. "Everyone is overjoyed for the future addition to the Scalia-Manzo family. It's amazing that we get to share our journey this season on Manzo'd With Children with everyone who has followed us throughout our relationship." Congratulations on your growing family, Manzo's! (Eonline)

Drew Barrymore Opens Up About Co-Parenting With Ex-Husband Will Kopelman. Drew Barrymore is gearing up for Christmas! The Flower Beauty founder caught up with E! News at the debut Drew's Shutterfly holiday gift collection and told us all about how she and her kids, Frankie Kopelman and Olive Kopelman, are gearing up for the holiday season -- and there are a lot of festive activities happening! "My kids live for glitter," Drew told us. "I have a vacuum, so I say live your glitter dreams." The Charlie's Angels star admitted that as a kid she dreamed of decorating her house with family, so when she grew up and had kids of her own she began the tradition. Each year they pull down the box "marked Christmas" and decorate the house. "The box is so memory-jarring," she said. Although she and Will Kopelman have decided to split, their family dynamic hasn't changed a bit. "We are a family," she said. "We're actually blood related. My friends are my family my whole life...they're my family. Will's family is my family, and my daughters are my family. I never thought I'd be so lucky to have so many families!" Will and Drew finalized their divorce in early August, only a month after they originally announced their split. In what might seem as the friendliest divorce of all time, neither contested each other's paperwork nor did they battle for custody over their two daughters. They released a joint statement at the time, saying, "Sadly our family is separating legally, although we do not feel this takes away from us being a family. Divorce might make one feel like a failure, but eventually you start to find grace in the idea that life goes on. Our children are our universe, and we look forward to living the rest of our lives with them as the first priority." (Eonline)

Ryan Phillippe and Fiancee Paulina Slagter Break Up After 5 Years Together. Ryan Phillippe and his fiancee Paulina Slagter have called it quits. Two sources confirm to E! News that the couple, who announced their engagement in December, have broken up after five years together. The reason behind their split has not been disclosed. The pair haven't been seen out together since mid-September in New York City, and Phillippe has been spotted at various events recently, including a Halloween party and Drake's party, without Slagter, hinting that the duo may have decided to part ways a bit ago. Proposal details always remained a secret, but a source told us at the time that Phillippe "proposed on Christmas day." The insider added, "They arrived in Miami on Sunday and had lunch at Seaspice, where they ate facing the river at the owner's table. She was really cute and humble about the way she showed off the ring." "She's awesome. When people see her they have these judgments because she could be a model but she's about to graduate Stanford Law," Phillippe told Howard Stern back in April 2015 of his Stanford Law fiancee. "Also what's great about it -- as you get older certain issues become more important to you. I'm very involved in civil rights issues, and so to be with a woman who could actually make an impact in the legal realm -- that's a beautiful thing." Phillippe was last famously married to Reese Witherspoon. The former flames have 17-year-old daughter, Ava, and 13-year-old son, Deacon, together. In 2007, the celeb couple's divorce was finalized after eight years of marriage. He also has a 5-year-old daughter, Kailani, with model-actress Alexis Knapp. Us Weekly first reported news of the split. (Eonline)

Jamie-Lynn Sigler Gives an Update on Her M.S. Diagnosis: "I Have to Be More Responsible and Careful." For Jamie-Lynn Sigler, 2016 has been a year unlike any other. Shortly after marrying baseball star Cutter Dykstra in January, the Sopranos alum went public with her multiple sclerosis condition, a diagnosis she hid for 15 years. Since then, Sigler is still adjusting to living openly with M.S., a decision she recently told E! News hasn't always been easy. "It's been liberating," the 35-year-old admitted during the NFL's "Rock Around the Rink" event Thursday in New York City. "You know, it's still a little bit of learning curve for me because I am so used to having to hide it. I'm so used to not asking for help if I need it or anything like that." Sigler continued, "I sometimes have to remind myself, 'Oh, you don't need to be self-conscious any more, everyone knows and it's okay to ask for someone's arm if you need something.' I'm embracing it and I'm learning to ask for help, which is an important lesson, I think, for everyone." Sigler, who revealed she felt "very vulnerable and exposed" after making the shocking announcement, said she's thankful to have "found this new role in my life essentially as being an advocate for the M.S. community," adding, "I think my M.S. looks different than other people's M.S., but what we have in common is our emotional journey." "It's been therapeutic for me because it's important to talk about things that are uncomfortable but they're part of our lives. And when you realize you're not alone it makes everything a lot easier," she told us. As for her health regimen, Jamie-Lynn said she listens to her body's needs by stretching and resting when its pertinent, but at the end of the day, it's tough to balance her busy lifestyle with the disease. "I can't burn the candle at both ends," Sigler said. "I would love to at sometimes, being a working mom and a wife. But I have to be more responsible and careful. I'm figuring out a way to do it that I can still live a really full life." And she's done exactly that, most recently partnering up with the NFL to support their holiday gift guide. As she put it, "the holidays revolve around football" in the Sigler household, so it only makes sense that the actress has found a way to rep her favorite team across every season. She's also passed her love of football down to her 3-year-old son Beau ("He's obsessed with sports"), and as it turns out, Sigler told us she's open to expanding her family of three. "It's definitely something we think about and talk about and want and when the time is right, we'll figure it out," Jamie-Lynn teased. (Eonline)

Michael Buble's 3-Year-Old Son Noah Diagnosed With Cancer. Michael Buble and wife Luisana Lopilato's three-year-old son, Noah, has been diagnosed with cancer. The couple announced the news on Lopilato's Facebook page with a statement informing fans of their son's treatment. "We are devastated by the recent cancer diagnosis of our eldest son Noah who is currently in treatment in the United States. We've always talked a lot about the importance of the family and the love we have for our children," Buble and Lopilato wrote. "Luisana and I are going to spend all our time and attention to help Noah to get better, by suspending our professional activities for now." Buble called for fans' prayers for their son. "During this difficult time, we ask that you pray for him and please respect our privacy," the statement continued. "We have a long road ahead of us and we hope that with the support of our family, friends, fans around the world and our faith in God, we can win this battle." The "Home" crooner and his wife share two sons, Noah and Elias, and Buble previously told E! News that fatherhood as completely changed his life for the better. "I think being a dad gives you perspective. I think really being a parent is a massive blessing," he told us. "It's allowed me to understand deeply that what I do for a living -- creating music and art and getting to be a part of a fragrance or a movie -- is my job. It isn't what defines me. What defines me is I'm Noah and Eli's dad." Even though Buble's career often takes him on the road, he said his favorite place is at home with his family. "When I'm nervous and I'm insecure and I'm scared of challenging myself or leaving my comfort zone, [fatherhood] just gives me context and allows me to understand what's important," he added. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Buble family. (Eonline)

Miranda Lambert Pleads With "Cowardly" Internet Trolls to Stop the Judgment: "What a Bunch of Bulls -- t." Attention, internet trolls: Miranda Lambert is over you. Just a day after taking the 2016 CMA Award red carpet with her beau Anderson East, the country songstress penned a lengthy Instagram message to her social media naysayers. "Every now and then I decide to re-join the world of social media and post something really personal. Not promoting anyone or anything. Not selling a better version of myself to anyone or trying to look cool like we all do all the time," she wrote in a caption for a photo of her riding her horse, Leiani. While she was proud of the natural shot, Lambert turned her attention to a previous photo she had posted on Instagram Wednesday night -- that of her and East posing on the carpet in their black tie threads. "Last night I was all dolled up and 'out on the town' with my sweet man at the CMA awards in Nashville. I was excited about the night and posted a picture. Just now when I looked I realized so many comments were judgmental and negative," she wrote. "Cowardly people hiding behind a keyboard or a cell phone writing their useless comments about our eyes and clothes and body language. What a bunch of bulls--t. Thank y'all for reminding me why I read books, write songs, and spend most of my time with animals and people I trust and love." Lambert finished off her Internet message with a quote from Maya Angelou about the power of words. "Words are things. You must be careful, careful about calling people out of their names, using racial pejoratives and sexual pejoratives and all that ignorance. Don't do that," Lambert quoted. "Some day we'll be able to measure the power of words. I think they are things. They get on the walls. They get in your wallpaper. They get in your rugs, in your upholstery, and your clothes, and finally in to you." Meanwhile, after nearly a year of dating, East has one perfect thing to say on Instagram: "I was the big winner last night!" (Eonline)

Blac Chyna's taking a page straight out of Kim Kardashian's playbook when it comes to baby delivery ... she's giving birth in the same luxury hospital suite as her soon-to-be sister-in-law. We're told Chyna's having a C-section next week at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. -- where Kim and Kanye dropped $4k a night to pop out Saint. She has every reason to stick around -- these maternity suites are top-notch with 3 beds, 2 baths and a lounge area ... complimentary robes too. Kourtney also gave birth in Cedars ... so Chyna's just keeping up a Kardashian tradition. (TMZ)

Brad Pitt has just set the stage for a custody war ... asking for joint custody of the 6 kids he shares with Angelina Jolie ... TMZ has learned. Brad answered Angelina's divorce petition and squarely takes issue with her request for sole physical custody of the kids. She wanted Brad to only have visitation. TMZ broke the story, Angelina checked the box for sole custody after Brad allegedly struck Maddox on a private jet. FYI ... California judges favor joint custody, unless it would be harmful to the kids. Neither Brad nor Angelina mention spousal or child support. Brad gives the same separation date as Angelina ... Sept. 15th. (TMZ)

Tracy Morgan Forgives the Walmart Driver Who Hit Him: "I'm Not Even Mad at Him." Tracy Morgan truly has moved past the car accident that took a life and left him with a traumatic brain injury. The comedian appeared on Conan Thursday and opened up about the car accident with a Walmart truck driver and said he doesn't hold a grudge against him. But there are people who aren't moving on as well as he is. "I forgave him, and I'm not even mad at him no more," Morgan told Conan O'Brien. "But you know who is mad at him? All my white neighbors. 'If you had hit his white ass he wouldn't be living next door to me! I got daughters.'" Living in a new neighborhood, the 30 Rock alum wanted to make sure everyone knew who he was, so he made sure to drive around in his exotic car. "I drove at 30 miles per hour so everyone in the neighborhood can see it because they've never seen a black motherf--ker in a Lamborghini," he joked. "I go slow like I'm checking trap." Morgan further talked about his recovery and time in the hospital, but despite the serious nature of the topic he couldn't help but make some hilarious jokes. The star said his family showed up to visit him and "tell me they loved me," but said his grandmother had a different message. "All she cared about is education," Morgan recalled. "So I said, 'Grandma, I made it. I'm alive!' and she said, 'Good, now you can go back and get your G.E.D.'" As the old adage says, there's no rest for the weary. (Eonline)

Mariah Carey and James Packer were negotiating one of the most insane prenups we've ever seen ... and it reads like she's a mail order bride with lots of strings attached. Before we tell you what it says, we know the negotiations blew up. We're told Mariah's people got the draft from Packer's exec, Robert Rankin, and rejected it as "tacky and insulting." Among the conditions ... "Except for gifts between them for their engagement, wedding or on birthdays and anniversaries, no item of jewelry and/or personal adornment costing over $250,000 will be deemed a gift unless accompanied by, or promptly followed by, a writing specifically stating 'This is my gift to you.'" It goes on ... James agreed to purchase certain clothing for Mariah but there's a blank space for them to agree upon a maximum amount he has to shell out. It states ... the clothing is not to be used for business or performing and "Mariah shall provide all clothing for her children." And there's this ... "James shall cause a credit card(s) to be issued for use by Mariah and staff ... the amount of expenses ... shall not exceed US $____ per calendar month." The amount was blank. The prenup continues ... "James shall provide the use of one private aircraft, of his selection, for Mariah's personal use, or that of her children and nannies only when James, in his sole discretion, determines it is appropriate to do so." The central reason why negotiations blew up ... the provision that said "James will pay Mariah, and Mariah shall accept, $6 million dollars per year for each full year of marriage, up to a maximum of $30 million ... adjusted pro-rata on a weekly basis [$151,385 per week]." Our Mariah sources say she rejected the dollar amount and claims James agreed to a $50 million lump sum if the marriage failed. (TMZ)

Dani Mathers -- the Playboy Playmate who secretly took a pic of a naked woman at an L.A. gym and then shamed her on social media -- has just been charged with the crime of invasion of privacy ... TMZ has learned. As we reported, Mathers was at her LA Fitness and zeroed in on an elderly woman who was changing clothes in the locker room. She posted the pic and then tagged it, "If I can't unsee this then you can't either." It took some hunting by LAPD detectives, but they found the victim, who was game to have Mathers prosecuted. The L.A. City Attorney has now pulled the trigger. If convicted she faces 6 months in jail. Mathers is also persona non grata at LA Fitness. (TMZ)

The man who triggered a cascade of child molestation allegations against Michael Jackson has disappeared ... at least according to his sister who is scared to death her family is getting dragged into a posthumous child molestation lawsuit against the King of Pop. Wade Robson, a choreographer/producer is suing MJ, claiming he was molested by Jackson for 7 years at the Neverland Ranch ... starting when he was 7. Robson wants to take the deposition of the most famous MJ accuser, Jordan Chandler, who scored a $20 million settlement from the singer back in the '90s. Problem is ... Robson's lawyers can't find Chandler, who's now 36. So they've asked to take the depo of Chandler's sister, Lily. They want to ask her if she knows Jordan's whereabouts, and whether she witnessed any sexual molestation at the Ranch. Lily's freaked out, and has filed legal docs pleading with the judge to block the depo. Lily claims her family -- especially Jordan -- has been viciously threatened by MJ fans, and if she resurfaces it will only stoke the coals. She attached some emails directed at her brother, including one that says "F*** you Jordan. U destroyed the king but karma is a bitch. your time will come." Lily also says she was only 5 when she started going to Neverland and has no memory of any molestation. A judge has yet to rule. (TMZ)

THE OTHER STUFF . . .

Kate Middleton Visits Women's Prison to Support Families in Breaking the Cycle of Addiction, Mental Health and Abuse. Kate Middleton continued on her endeavor to support mental health awareness on Friday. The Duchess of Cambridge made two stops in Gloucestershire to show her support for women suffering from mental illnesses, especially those stemming from abuse and addiction. Her first stop was at the women's prison HMP Eastwood Park. There, she spoke with a small number of staff and prisoners to hear their personal stories and learn about the support given to both the women and their families for their varying needs. Kensington Palace tweeted, "The Duchess wants to see the support helping vulnerable families break the cycles at the heart of issues like addiction and mental health." She then made a stop at the Nelson Trust Women's Centre in Gloucestershire, which was establish in 2010 and works hand-in-hand with the prison in order to support women who have vulnerabilities -- particularly those who have experienced abuse and trauma. Kate discussed important issues with members of the staff at the center, including prison in-reach and social inclusion support, the sex worker outreach project and rural outreach to young girls at risk. She also spoke with women who have sought support at the center to learn about their stories. A woman named Natasha Penhale and her four-year-old daughter Tilly even presented the Duchess with a bouquet of flowers. "The Duchess was beautiful and she was really interested in hearing from us," Penhale told media following the visit. "She was so engaging and came across as caring." The chief executive of the Trust, John Trolan, reiterated that sentiment. "The Duchess is a genuine inspiration to the staff here and it has made a huge difference for her to take the time to come here," he said. "The Duchess has been fantastic and we were pleased she came to listen. We are pleased as punch." Though certainly not as important as the matter at hand, Kate looked stunning (as usual) in a Mulberry coat and Dolce and Gabbana skirt. (Eonline)

Drew Barrymore Dishes on Her Shutterfly Holiday Collection and Family Traditions. The holidays can't come soon enough for Drew Barrymore. The actress, entrepreneur and mom of two unveiled her holiday collection for Shutterfly in New York City Thursday. Barrymore designed the line herself, which includes everything from ornaments ($24.99) to blankets ($69.99). All items are priced between $6.99 and $139.99. Each piece embodies Barrymore's joyful and youthful spirit, and she can't wait to share her latest designs as gifts with her friends and family during Christmas and Hanukkah. Speaking exclusively with E! News, the actress explained that she wanted to design products that "have to be out and about in your house, but should look aesthetically pleasing and less industrial." "Frames and photo books are going to be big for me this year," the Blended star said, adding that she adores "having those on the coffee table and being able to look at the years going by." The actress' daughters, Frankie Kopelman and Olive Kopelman, were big inspirations for her latest collection. "They didn't actually help me with the designs, per se, but I imagine they'll get very involved in that, because they're very arts and craftsy," she said. "Much more than I am!" In fact, Barrymore said her girls are prone to "glitter explosions" at home. "I'm like, 'I have a vacuum. I'll clean it up. It's fine.' I let them get messy. It helps me feel like I'm not spoiling them if I give them the gifts of arts and crafts, because then it's not toys all the time. It's stuff to do." Like their mother, the Kopelman sisters can't wait for the holiday season to get into fully swing. "Usually we go to Idaho, but we're not going to go this year," Barrymore said. "We have a whole bunch of plans with the whole family. We have like three different adventures planned." Barrymore is particularly excited to add to her ornament collection, as she doesn't have many heirlooms from her family. "The Barrymores...ugh! I would give anything for that stuff," she said. "I have a few drawings and etchings, but if anyone wants to send me anything, I'll take it." "I started the brown box with the black sharpie that says 'Christmas Ornaments,' like on the top shelf of the garage. So, every year we pull out the ornaments and we talk about them," she told E! News. "That, to me, was like such a fantasy as a kid, to have that consistency. And for some reason, the few little years that were consistent, ornaments were so memory-inducing to me." "It felt like the strongest of my five senses. Like, 'Oh, this ornament.' I remember it year after year after year. I'm really into that tradition with my kids," the Never Been Kissed star added. "There's something about Christmas ornaments that I think immediately injects nostalgia into you. I want to keep this box of ornaments and give it to my kids when they're 18, or whenever they want to move out -- if they're 34, I don't care! I want them to live with me forever. Not really -- that's probably not the healthiest. But God, I just want to spend every minute with them. I hope that they'll appreciate that kind of stuff; I certainly do. Nostalgia is not overrated!" (Eonline)

Ryan Seacrest's Biggest Gig Yet: Inside the Star's Man of Honor Preparations Ahead of His Sister's Wedding. It's a big day in the Seacrest household! Just over a year ago, Ryan Seacrest announced that his little sister Meredith had asked the famous radio and television personality to be her "Man of Honor," and it's finally time for Ryan to fulfill his duty. On Saturday morning, Seacrest captioned a snapshot of the sibling duo prepping for the festivities, "The day your sis grows up... man of honor bride workout first stop." Too cute! And this is far from the first time Seacrest hasn't been able to contain his excitement ahead of Meredith's nuptials. As any Man of Honor knows, the key to a stress free bride is a kick ass bachelorette shindig. Seacrest nailed it, especially when it came to the menu. Yum! What a lucky dude. Ryan captioned this hilarious Kodak moment, "man of honor duties for sister Meredith's wedding. Tonight is the handpicked dinner. Love u kid" Ryan knows a thing or two about making his sis smile. "man of honor duty #1- make sure she's got the dress. check!" Seacrest wrote ahead of Meredith's special day. And now that one Seacrest sibling is about to get hitched, that must mean you know who must be next! Congratulations to Meredith, and best of luck to Ryan. UPDATE: Job well done Ryan Seacrest. According to Instagram, the radio host's sister got married without a hitch Saturday evening. Congratulations to the bride! (Eonline)

Cara Delevingne Just Got Invited to Walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Without an Audition. Cara Delevingne fired shots over a faux report -- and got a highly coveted invitation in the process. This week, The Sun published an article alleging Delevingne, who hasn't walked a Victoria's Secret catwalk since 2013, was not picked to walk in the brand's annual runway show in London in 2014 because she was "too bloated" at casting. The candid supermodel fired back at the false words, writing on Instagram, "It's shameless to discuss women's bodies just to sell papers #bloated" with a few middle finger emojis included. However, it was the photo she posted that pointed a few more fingers at the newspaper. In a letter from Thursday addressed to the British star from Victoria's Secret's Chief Marketing Officer Edward Razek, the executive called the since-deleted report a "complete fabrication." "Victoria's Secret made every effort to have you in the London show," he explained. "I know, because I was the one making the effort." As Razek acknowledged, Delevingne ultimately could not attend because she was in the middle of shooting her 2015 film Paper Towns in North Carolina. "As a matter of fact, you were the first person invited, months ahead of anyone else," he continued. "The alleged casting, where supposedly disparaging remarks were made, never happened. There was NO casting. You had already been enthusiastically confirmed." She had previously walked in the show in 2012 and 2013, but has since shifted her focus to acting, recently appearing in this year's Suicide Squad. To further his point, Razek reaffirmed how much the brand loved her. "You would have made the show better, as you do anything and everything you're involved in," he added. To add insult to The Sun's injury, the exec offered Delevingne a spot in this year's show without any further deliberation. "As always, we'd love to have you," the letter concluded. "No casting necessary!" Do you think she'll accept the offer and head to Paris? (Eonline)

Mo'Nique Is Still Defending Her Open Marriage: "It's So Not About Sex." Even almost a decade after she revealed her open marriage to Sidney Hicks, Mo'Nique is still asked to explain their arrangements. The Oscar-winning actress stopped by Watch What Happens Live Thursday, and when host Andy Cohen began inquiring about the couple's do's and don'ts in the bedroom, she quickly put an end to any conversation about their "rules." "The rule is simply honesty," she said. "When you start asking people about relationships -- What about this one? What about that one? -- often times with people we can't say, 'This is how I'm feeling.' You find out, it's so not about sex. It's so not about, 'Can you be with other people?'" Mo'Nique continued, "It's simply about I won't take any secrets to my grave nor will he take any to his. We've been married for a decade now." Over the years, the 48-year-old mother of four (two of which she shares with Hicks) has given countless interviews on the subject, and in January, the longtime couple launched their very own podcast to discuss relationships like their own. During her appearance on WWHL, Mo'Nique revealed, "[The open marriage] was my idea. When we first had the conversation, it was because I was still in the mindset of I'm an entertainer; I'm a performer and I want to have it all. So I said, 'I want to have an open marriage.'" Hicks took the suggestion with stride, telling his partner, "'Mo'Nique, we've been best friends since the tenth grade. Do you think that's going to stop us from loving one another?'" Mo'Nique added, "It was just being able to sit down and have that dialogue to say, 'Hey, let's always make sure we're open and honest.'" As for the public's response to their relationship, Mo'Nique responded, "Now the world took and said, 'Oh my god, Mo'Nique will let that man sleep with anybody because she's a fat girl and he's a beautiful man.' I'm like, 'OK, world. It wasn't his idea. It was mine.'" The star recommends people "try it for [themselves] and find out," because, as she put it, "Now almost 11 years later, of course it's evolved, and it's evolved into this beautiful space of no secrets." (Eonline)

Music

Kid Cudi Performs for the First Time Since Checking Into Rehab for "Suicidal Urges." Welcome back, Kid Cudi. Just over a month since he announced he was seeking treatment for "depression and suicidal urges," the hip hop artist returned to the stage Saturday evening at ComplexCon in Long Beach, Calif. Saturday evening. Cudi performed fan-favorites like "Pursuit of Happiness" and "Up, Up and Away," and even surprised concertgoers with appearances from Pharrell and Travis Scott, who joined the rapper on brand new tracks "Surfin'" and "Through the Late Night," respectively. Pharrell shared a photo of the musically talented duo on Instagram, and Kid Cudi was all smiles for the moment. In early October, the Cleveland native made the shocking announcement to fans on his Facebook page, writing, "It's been difficult for me to find the words to what I'm about to share with you because I feel ashamed. Ashamed to be a leader and hero to so many while admitting I've been living a lie. It took me a while to get to this place of commitment, but it is something I have to do for myself, my family, my best friend/daughter and all of you, my fans. Yesterday I checked myself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges." He continued, "I am not at peace. I haven't been since you've known me. If I didn't come here, I would've done something to myself. I simply am a damaged human swimming in a pool of emotions everyday of my life. Theres a ragin violent storm inside of my heart at all times. Idk what peace feels like. Idk how to relax. My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it. Since then, the musician has found himself in the center of an ongoing feud with Drake. Following a contentious back-and-forth over Cudi's accusations that West and Drizzy use ghost writers for their rhymes, Drake made another jab at Cudi in his new song, "Two Birds, One Stone," that many pegged as insensitive given the artist's then-ongoing stint in rehab. Cudi responded to Drake, taking to Twitter shortly after: "@Drake Say it to face, p---y. You think it's a game. I wanna see you say it to my face. I'll be out soon. Promise." (Eonline)

Nick Cannon and Chilli Fuel Romance Rumors as They Get Hot and Heavy in His ''If I Was Your Man'' Music Video. Nick Cannon has played coy when it comes to his relationship with Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas, but they certainly can't deny the chemistry now! The rapper just released his "If I Was Your Man" music video -- which we teased back in August -- and the rumored couple definitely aren't afraid to get hot and heavy for the camera. The video not only features them laying in matching lingerie together (giving us some serious TLC "Creep" vibes), but it also shows lots of footage of them making out. Not to mention, the lyrics that go along to the song pretty much say it all. "Where the ladies with the good p---y at?/ Head to the back swagged out lookin' like Chilli/ All my down hoes still kick it with me," Cannon raps as the chorus sings, "If I was your man, I would eat that cookie right/ Baby we could f--k all night." (Insert speculative emoji here). Meanwhile, speculation over Cannon and Chilli's romance blossomed after the duo were spotted out and about together on numerous occasions over the summer. However, during an interview with The Breakfast Club shortly after rumors sparked, Cannon said he isn't ready to get into a relationship. "Where I am at in my life you can't just play with a woman like that," he said. "You have to be serious...I don't want to mess with nothing I can't stand firm and be a committed man in." Regardless, the two definitely enjoy spending time together and apparently showing off their affection on-camera. In fact, a source told E! News, "Nick loves how chill Chilli is. Chilli is very family oriented and into God. She is also a very spiritual person with a kind soul. She is not drama and that's important for him." A second source also told us, "They are enjoying getting to know each other and Chilli seems very happy." (Eonline)

Gigi Hadid and Jay Pharoah to Host 2016 American Music Awards. The 2016 American Music Awards is shaping up to be one star-studded evening! ABC and Dick Clark Productions announced Friday that Gigi Hadid and Jay Pharoah will co-host the annual celebration of music's hottest stars, rounding out an epic list of who's who in the industry. It's anyone's guess as to what these two will bring to the Microsoft Theater stage in just a few short weeks, but given Pharoah's comedic chops and Hadid's supermodel good looks (not to mention her impressive hosting stint at this year's Much Music Video Awards), the AMAs promise to have it all. And just last week, a brand new set of performers were added to the already A-list lineup. John Legend and Shawn Mendes are both slated to perform solo at the award show, while Ariana Grande will be joined by Nicki Minaj for a live rendition of their collaboration "Side to Side." ABC also announced on Facebook Live Thursday morning that The Weeknd will be on hand to wow audiences. This newly announced group of artists joins previously announced performers James Bay, Fifth Harmony, Lady Gaga, Green Day, Bruno Mars, Twenty One Pilots and a duet from The Chainsmokers and Halsey. As for the evening's potential winners, Drake leads the way with 13 nominations, followed by Rihanna with seven and a tie for Adele and Justin Bieber with five each. The 2016 American Music Awards will go live Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. on ABC. (Eonline)

Mariah Carey Performs for the First Time Since James Packer Split. Mariah Carey is carrying on with her life in Toronto. The "Heartbreaker" songstress performed for the first time since she and James Packer called off their engagement, and really brought down the house. Mariah shut down an entire block in Canada Thursday night to sing at the annual Hudson's Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window unveiling, where she wore a red and pink Anna Maier gown. Mariah didn't just perform "All I Want for Christmas Is You," she gave attendees a real show that featured fireworks and confetti. Fans dubbed her the "Christmas Queen" after her headline-making performance. The event was live-streamed on Facebook. Missing from her performance, however, was the 35-carat engagement ring Packer gifted her upon proposing. Instead, the "Without You" singer wore a butterfly ring on that finger. Although Mariah looked happy to be in Toronto, a source previously told E! News that she was devastated by the breakup. "The split has been devastating for Mariah," the source shared. "She loved James and was planning to marry him...She made life changes for this man to prepare for their future as husband and wife, even relocating to L.A., at James' request, so he could be closer to his children. Everything she has done over the past year is to prove how fully committed she is to their life together. She really wanted this to work. And then, completely out of the blue, it imploded." The insider added that Mariah was "blindsided" by the split, which came "out of nowhere." (Eonline)

Kanye West Ends Concert Early After Losing His Voice. It's no secret that Kanye West is a perfectionist. The rapper cut short his sixth and final show at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. Thursday night. As his performance of "Only One" was reaching its end, he asked the house crew to turn the lights on. "My voice is so hoarse," West said. "I can't finish the show...I can't let y'all have a show where I can't perform for you." The crowd initially booed before chanting the rapper's name. "I'm very sorry. I love you," he said. "I'll give everyone a refund. I'll do better next time." West had performed 45 minutes of his set when he decided the show was over. E! News has since reached out to reps for West and Live Nation to get further details regarding the refunds. West's sold-out shows at The Forum have been a hit with celebrities, with the likes of Jessica Alba, Brooklyn Beckham, Chris Brown, Desiigner, Jenna Dewan Tatum, DJ Khaled, Hilary Duff, Halsey, Kate Hudson, Leny Kravitz, John Mayer, Katy Perry, Kelly Rowland, Bob Saget, Jaden Smith, Harry Styles, Tyga, Usher, Pete Wentz and Ariel Winter in attendance. The next stop on West's Saint Pablo tour is scheduled for Nov. 17 in San Jose, Calif. In mid-October, Live Nation announced that West would be extending his nationwide tour, playing 21 more shows. With the added dates, the tour will end in Brooklyn on New Year's Eve. When E! News' Ken Baker spoke to West backstage after one of his gigs in August, the rapper revealed he had hoped to "take the concert experience to another level." To do that, he had his stage suspended above a mosh pit, so fans could better experience his show. "I wanted people to get into it and have a fun time, make it not be just about watching the artist, but people watching their friends and singing along to the lyrics and being able to see themselves, their outfits. It's not just about what you're seeing on the screen or what you're seeing me doing up on the stage, but what you and your friends are doing," West said, adding, "I want people to come to the Pablo shows and know it's just going to be the best time they've had in their life." (Eonline)

Kanye West promised fans would get their money back after he cut his concert short, but the people who have to write those checks aren't on board just yet. We called Ticketmaster and they told us Yeezy doesn't have the authority to issue refunds -- but they are working with The Forum to come up with some kind of solution. We're told ticket holders should expect an email in the next 24 hours. Ticketmaster says concertgoers have been blowing up their phones all day ... after Kanye told fans at Thursday night's gig they'd get a refund for their troubles. Hold tight, all 'Ye faithful. (TMZ)

Sting is to headline the first concert at the Bataclan theater in Paris since it was targeted in Islamic State attacks a year ago that killed 130 people. The British singer will perform Nov. 12, the night before the first anniversary of the attacks on the Bataclan, Paris cafes and the national stadium. Most of the victims were killed in the Bataclan after three men laden with explosives and toting Kalashnikovs stormed a concert by California band Eagles of Death Metal, firing indiscriminately at revelers and turning the dance floor into a sea of blood and body parts. Families of victims and those injured have been invited to the Nov. 12 concert, and proceeds will go to groups for attack survivors and loved ones of those who were killed. "In re-opening the Bataclan, we have two important tasks to reconcile. First, to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the attack a year ago, and second to celebrate the life and the music that this historic theater represents," Sting said in a statement. "In doing so we hope to respect the memory as well as the life-affirming spirit of those who fell. We shall not forget them." In an emotional announcement Friday in Paris, Bataclan director Jerome Langlet said he hopes the theater can regain its role as one of Paris' leading music venues -- and not remain forever a reminder of tragedy. The theater has been entirely refurbished, and government security officials on Thursday gave the go-ahead to re-open it to the public, Langlet said. Earlier the Bataclan had said the first concert would be by Pete Doherty on Nov. 16, but it decided to open before the attacks anniversary instead, with Sting as the headliner. The Bataclan, with a capacity of 1,400, has 24 concerts scheduled in the coming months. France remains under a state of emergency. (Page Six)

John Legend's New Album 'Darkness and Light' Features Chance The Rapper, Miguel & More. John Legend released a snippet of the video for his newest single "Love Me Now" on Friday morning (Nov. 4). The anthemic, heart-warming track is the first taste of his forthcoming album, Darkness and Light, set for release on Dec. 2. "And who's gonna kiss you when I'm gone/ I'm gonna love you now like it's all I have", the multifaceted singer coos in the video, which flips between clips of Legend's wife model Chrissy Teigen and their newborn daughter Luna and images of the couple displaying their affection for one another. Darkness and Light is Legend's fifth studio and it centers on the social issues proliferating the world today, an area Legend has long been an advocate for, as evidenced by his roadwork on behalf of democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The singer and new dad also wrote a song titled "Right By You (for Luna)" for the new light of his world, his daughter. Chance the Rapper, Miguel and Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard make guest appearances on the album. "A lot of the difference is just my own evolution as a person, as a father and as a husband," he says about his Darkness and Light. "This will be the first time I've made an album, given those life changes that I've gone through. And I think you can hear it in the music." Darkness and Light is available for pre-order here. (Billboard)

Christmas Comes Early For a Multitude Of Country Stars. Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood, Rascal Flatts, Kacey Musgraves, Brett Eldredge Sport New Holiday Albums. Merry Christmas! If it feels a little early to get that kind of greeting, take heart -- a bundle of country artists have already been mired in the holiday for months. Kacey Musgraves' A Very Kacey Christmas, Loretta Lynn's White Christmas Blue, Reba McEntire's My Kind of Christmas and Garth Brooks &Trisha Yearwood's Christmas Together are all designed to enhance the Yuletide experience for music fans. But the artists themselves need good imaginations to make the holiday come to life, since much of the work -- including recording, marketing and even writing Christmas songs -- typically takes place in the spring and summer. That was certainly true for Chris Young, who wrote a handful of new songs for It Must Be Christmas in March. "We recorded a lot of the record in July when we were having record temps in Tennessee, 100-plus degrees," he says. "So we cranked up the AC in the studio and put up some lights and decorations and wore sweaters while we recorded to get in the Christmas spirit. But the second we left the studio, it was right back to T-shirts." That's hardly a new development. The sleigh bells in ?Gene Autry's "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" may suggest snowstorms and Santa Claus, but Autry recorded it during the heat of June -- in Los Angeles -- when swimsuits and sunglasses were much more apropos. Similarly, Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas" (September 1957), Buck Owens' "Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy" (June 1965),Bobby Helms' "Jingle Bell Rock" (October 1957) and Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (October 1958) were recorded at a time of year that's not exactly conducive to the holiday spirit. Producer Owen Bradley rather famously set up a Christmas tree in the studio to get Lee, who was 14 when she cut her holiday staple, in the mood. It's a tradition that many artists uphold. "It was interesting to be sweating going into the studio," says Musgraves, who recorded her album in June and July. "Once I got in there, we had Christmas lights and cider, and every musician had their own stocking with their name on it." She even out together a snowflake station, a diversion that encouraged a little extra creativity. "We had a little side table set up with paper and scissors to cut your own snowflake," she explains. "It kind of turned into a thing, so it was pretty festive, actually." The calendar dictates the out-of-season artifice. The window for marketing a Christmas project is just a few weeks, so the setup is crucial. The initial planning for Brett Eldredge's new Christmas project, Glow, for example, took place in the fourth quarter of 2015, but since his schedule was already packed with a tour and promotion of his then-new album, Illinois, work on the holiday release didn't begin in earnest until spring 2016. By then, it was already imperative to have some music in the works. "If you look at the retail landscape, they want to know about these releases fairly early," says Warner Music Nashville chief marketing officer Peter Strickland. "So when you're talking to any of your partners -- whether it be digital download partners, streaming partners or physical-partners -- about the holiday product you'll have in the fourth quarter, that all kind of starts in July." Which creates an awkward scenario. As Exile worked on its new release, Wrapped Up in Your Arms for Christmas, during 2015, Lexington, Ky.-based vocalists J.P. Pennington and Les Taylor made several trips to Nashville to record with the rest of the band members, who live in Tennessee. Plenty of their fellow road passengers were taking summer vacations, and it became a challenge to get in the right head space to sing "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" or "The Little Drummer Boy." "It was a discussion that we had more than once," concedes Pennington. "It was like, 'Man, this is really weird.' But it was kind of a nice diversion." And the initial oddity often disappears once the actual recording work begins. Rascal Flatts went right from a spring residency at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas to the studio in Jay DeMarcus' basement to cut The Greatest Gift of All. The weather outside was hardly frightful -- "It kind of made us feel like, I guess, what folks who celebrate Christmas in the islands do," quips guitarist Joe Don Rooney -- but they cranked the air conditioning and then cranked the tunes. "Once we started recording this thing, the tracks just breathed the spirit of Christmas into all of us," he says. "I think Gary [LeVox] really felt the spirit, and he sang the dog out of these songs." Jennifer Nettles can relate. Seven years into her gig as host of ABC's CMA Country Christmas, which annually shoots in early November, she has become familiar with making holiday decisions during a cycle when the three wise men and snowmen aren't really top of mind. When it became clear early in 2016 that she would be appearing in the Dolly Parton TV movie Christmas of Many Colors -- Circle of Love, she decided the timing was right for a holiday album. They filmed the special in July in Atlanta, and she recorded the album's vocals in August in New York. It wasn't hard to get in the right frame of mind. "It's basically been Christmas now for several months already," she says with a laugh. When she and Sugarland partner Kristian Bush cut a holiday album in 2009, they decked the studio with the figurative boughs of holly. This time around, that kind of visual crutch was unnecessary to feel the mood. "The music itself does that," says Nettles. "Music is wonderful at that anyway. It takes us to a certain place, it reminds us of a certain time, and suddenly we are transported just by hearing it." Yearwood shared that experience. As she and Brooks fit Christmas recording dates between tour stops this summer, she found herself getting psyched for December during tanning season. "Our society has moved up the holiday so much shopping-wise that it gets here early anyway," she reasons. "I'm one of those people who doesn't mind that, just because I love the season so much." Still, there's some imagination required to make the campaign behind a Christmas album work. Even beyond the music, the album cover needs to match the season, which might be the biggest challenge during the summer. Yearwood and Brooks struggled to find sweaters and stocking caps for their photo shoot, and when they did, they were required to wear them on the front porch in July. "Garth and I look cold, but it was soooo warm outside," she remembers. "We were channeling our inner winter." Sweating for Santa. And helping country fans have a very merry Christmas when the season is right. (Billboard)

Chance the Rapper Will Host Free Chicago Concert To Encourage Youth Voters. As election day (Nov. 8) creeps closer and closer, several artists have used the short window of time wisely by hosting free concerts either in support of their candidate of choice or to call attention to the importance of voting. So far, big name draws such as The National, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Jon Bon Jovi, Steve Aoki and Jay Z and Ne-Yo have played shows (or will play shows) or appeared at events in support of democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Now, Chance the Rapper -- who openly shared his support for Hillary Clinton in a Billboard cover story -- is doing his part and throwing a free concert of his own next week in his hometown of Chicago on Monday, Nov. 7. The aim of the concert -- which is the headlining event for the national Parade to the Polls campaign -- is to encourage Chicago's youth to vote. Chance's nonprofit organization SocialWorks partnered with Virgin Hotels, where the concert will take place, to deliver an evening of performances from a handful of Chicago based artists such as alternative rockers Twin Peaks, Taylor Bennett, Eryn Allen Kane and more. "This election is very important, a chance for new leaders and new opportunities to emerge," Chance said in a press release. He also expressed his pride in partnering with so many great organizations, such as Boost Your Voice and TurboVote "to give everyone a voice in the democratic process and encourage people to vote, both locally and nationally." (Billboard)

BBC Orders 'David Bowie: The Last Five Years'. The film, along with other content about the music star, will air in January, marking a year after Bowie's death and the month in which he would have turned 70. The BBC said Friday that it has ordered "new landmark film" David Bowie: The Last Five Years to air on its BBC Two network in January. Produced and directed by Francis Whately, it is a follow-up to his David Bowie: Five Years, which aired on BBC Two in 2013. "As with the first film, this new piece will feature a wealth of rare and unseen archive footage and early audio interviews which have never been released before," the BBC said. "This includes the original vocal, which Bowie recorded for Lazarus, his last release before his death, which has never been heard before." The film will air, along with other content across the BBC's TV and radio outlets, a year after the music star's death in the month that would have seen Bowie turn 70. Additionally, BBC Four will air Bowie at the BBC, a compilation of archive footage exploring Bowie's career as captured by the BBC from his very first appearance in 1964 to his death in 2016. Meanwhile, BBC Radio 2 will air a documentary, Life On Mars, examining the legacy of the song. And BBC Radio 6 Music will be asking listeners to vote for their favorite Bowie album and holding a listening party for the top choice, plus it will present a show in tribute to the singer. David Bowie: The Last Five Years will focus on the three major projects of Bowie's last five years -- the best-selling albums The Next Day and Blackstar, alongside musical Lazarus. "With unprecedented access to Bowie's closest friends and collaborators this will be an unforgettable tribute to one of the greatest musical icons of modern times," the BBC said. Said Whately: "I always hoped that I would make another film about Bowie as we were only able to scratch the surface in the first film, but I just didn't expect it to be this soon. However, looking at Bowie's extraordinary creativity during the last five years of his life has allowed me to re-examine his life's work and move beyond the simplistic view that his career was simply predicated on change -- Bowie the chameleon... 'ch ch ch changes' etc. Instead, I would like to show how the changes were often superficial, but the core themes in his work were entirely consistent -- alienation, mortality and fame." (Hollywood Reporter)

Dixie Chicks and the CMA Have Something to Say About This Beyonce Backlash on Social Media. Where did Beyonce go? That was question on a lot of people's minds when they went to the Country Music Association's website Thursday for a recap of the CMA Awards Wednesday night. For those who managed to catch the show, you know that Queen B made a surprise appearance alongside Dixie Chicks for Bey's track, "Daddy Lessons," and it was one of the highlights of the night. But when fans took to the website earlier Thursday, all photographic evidence of Bey at the award show was taken down. So, what gives? A statement from CMA to E! News explains: "CMA has not erased any mentions of Beyonce's performance on the CMA Awards. In advance of the broadcast, CMA removed a 5-second promotional clip from ABC.com and CMA's Facebook page. The promo was unapproved and CMA removed it prior to the broadcast. Beyonce's performance with Dixie Chicks was a highlight of the evening and we are continuing to share the amazing full-length performance clip via our official social channels." CMA World allegedly posted something about Bey and Dixie Chicks on their website following the show, and it reportedly generated a lot of racist and hateful comments before disappearing. Unfortunately, that same negativity traveled to their Instagram account, when the CMAs posted a collage of the night's highlights with the superstar singer and country trio included. The Beyhive was quick to fire back, leaving numerous comments with bee and lemon emojis to defend their Queen B. Meanwhile, the Dixie Chicks took to Twitter to speak their peace and also promote Bey's "Daddy Lessons" music video. Beyonce hasn't addressed the controversy. The anticipation for Bey's performance was so huge, there were even Snapchat filters ready for use prior to her taking the stage. One filter gave a video-recording vibe with the words "Bey Watch" and an icon of the singer performing in the middle. Another filter had a silver banner that read, "Beyonce is close..." Once the ladies hit the stage, there was no denying their electric performance. Stars were on their feet moving to the beat, Matthew McConaughey brought out the Wolf of Wall Street dance, Faith Hill sang along, and everyone had a great time. (Eonline)

Movies

Rami Malek to Play Queen's Freddie Mercury in Upcoming Biopic. From Mr. Robot to Mr. Mercury... Rami Malek will soon be starring on the big screen as none other than Freddie Mercury in the upcoming film, Bohemian Rhapsody. Amid speculation that the Emmy Award-winning actor was in talks to play the late musician, X-Men's Bryan Singer seemingly confirmed the exciting casting news on Instagram. Singer posted the all-too famous cover art for Queen's memorable track and wrote, "Looking forward to @ramimalek playing #freddie." GK films, New Regency and Fox are all joining forces to bring the life of the beloved singer to move theaters and The Theory of Everything's screenwriter, Anthony McCarten, is said to have written the script. Back in March of this year, Sacha Baron Cohen -- who was first attached to the project and the coveted role of Mercury -- why he ultimately had to back out of the biopic. "A member of the band, I won't say who, he said, 'This is such a great movie because it's got such an amazing thing that happens in the middle of the movie,'" Cohen explained while he was a guest on The Howard Stern Show. "I go, 'What happens in the middle of the movie?' He goes, 'Freddie dies.'" Cohen added, "At the end of the day, it really was an artistic difference." Casting for the role has remained up in the air since 2013, when Cohen officially backed out. Deadline was the first to report the casting speculation. (Eonline)

The Beauty and the Beast Live-Action Is Brilliantly Similar to the Animated Film: Here Are the Movie Stills Prove It. Fans have been anxiously awaiting anything and everything that has to do with the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast, and now we can finally give a little taste of the beauty (pun intended) that's to come. On Friday, Disney released more movie stills from the film, and they're seriously breathtaking. From Emma Watson(Belle) and Dan Stevens' (Beast) appearance to the phenomenal re-imagining of the Beast's library to the costumes and the set design, everything is even more amazing than we imagined. The new stills also feature Luke Evans as Gaston, Josh Gad as Le Fou and Kevin Kline as Maurice. We're given glimpses of the Beast's palace as well as one of Maurice's inventions. We also see Belle as the Beast's prisoner, and Gaston causing a scene in the mess hall. Of course, there were a few small changes when making the live-action. For example, Watson re-envisioned Belle's appearance slightly. "My Belle is very practical," the actress told Entertainment Weekly earlier this week. "In the movie she wears these little ballet shoes, and I knew they had to go. If you're going to ride your horse and tend your garden and fix machinery, then you need to be in proper boots." Beauty and the Beast will be released on March 17- 2017. (Eonline)

Box Office: 'Doctor Strange' Conjures Up $9.4 Million Thursday. Animated film 'Trolls' earned $900K and Mel Gibson's World War II drama 'Hacksaw Ridge' took in $750K. Disney and Marvel's latest superhero movie Doctor Strange earned a strong $9.4 million in previews Thursday night as it heads into U.S. theaters this weekend after racking up $132.9 million from select international markets in its first week. Meanwhile, animated film Trolls took in $900,000 in previews and Mel Gibson's new film, war drama Hacksaw Ridge, earned $750,000. Doctor Strange is projected to open in the $65 million to $70 million range this weekend from 3,882 theaters. Benedict Cumberbatch stars in the film as a star surgeon who, after injuring both his hands in a car accident, seeks out the help of the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who teaches him to use the mystical arts. It also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Rachel McAdams. The film, directed by Scott Derrickson, is the 14th title in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is tracking to open ahead of the domestic debut of Ant-Man ($57.7 million). It will likely beat the first Captain America and Thor by surpassing $66 million. Ant-Man earned $6.4 million in Thursday night previews in July 2015. It's also opening in China Friday as it continues to do big business across the globe. DreamWorks Animation and Fox's Trolls also is opening wide this weekend and is expected to attract families for a debut in the $35 million to $40 million range from 4,060 locations. Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick star in the animated musical, with Timberlake serving as an executive producer of the soundtrack, which includes his original hit song "Can't Stop the Feeling." Trolls, based on the classic children's doll, centers on two trolls who must save their village from destruction by the Bergens, who love to eat the little creatures. Mel Gibson's directorial effort (his first in 10 years) Hacksaw Ridge is opening in 2,800-plus locations, with an expected debut in the $12 million to $15 million range. The WWII drama stars Andrew Garfield as the late Desmond T. Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist who refused to bear arms when he was a U.S. Army medic. The $40 million was financed independently before Lionsgate picked up U.S. rights. (Hollywood Reporter)

New 'Lego Batman' Trailer: Commitment Is the True Enemy. Everyone wants to get with the Dark Knight, even though he's not very into that idea. Despite being a millionaire playboy, world's greatest detective and beloved crime fighter, it's not easy being Batman -- or so the latest trailer for The Lego Batman Movie wants you to believe. The problem for the blockhead Dark Knight (Will Arnett) this time out isn't keeping Gotham safe or dealing with a suspicious police force, however -- indeed, Barbara Gordon, the new commissioner of police (voiced by Rosario Dawson), wants to team up with Batman, much to his horror. Instead, it's a fear of commitment that means that he even refuses to accept the Joker as his arch-nemesis. Of course, the Joker isn't the only villain to make an appearance in the trailer -- other obscure foes making a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance include Crazy Quilt, Kite Man and King Tut, and the less villainous, but no less threatening, Robin the Boy Wonder (Michael Cera). And then, of course, there's the unmistakable threat of snake clowns, which once you've spent a minute thinking about, you'll never be able to forget. Just ask Batman himself. The Lego Batman Movie will be released Feb. 10, 2017. (Hollywood Reporter)

AFM: Screen Media Picks Up 'Stray Bullets'. The indie distributor will do a multi-platform release for the crime drama in the U.S. as well as handling international sales. Screen Media has picked up worldwide rights for Stray Bullets, a low-budget crime drama from 16-year-old Jack Fessenden, son of indie film vet Larry Fessenden. The younger Fessenden stars alongside Asa Spurlock in Stray Bullets as a pair of teenage boys tasked with cleaning out their father's old mobile home on an abandoned property, only to find that three cons on the run (James Le Gros, John Speredakos, Larry Fessenden) are using the trailer for a hideout. The movie, produced through the Fessenden's New York shingle Glass Eye Pix, premiered at the Oldenburg Film Festival in Germany earlier this year. Screen Media is planning a multi-platform release for Stray Bullets in the U.S. in February next year. The company has also taken on international rights and will be selling the title to foreign buyers at AFM. "We have a great track record working with Screen Media, and we're delighted they've shown such enthusiasm for Jack's movie," said Larry Fessenden. "We look forward to building on that to make an impact with this humble but resonant film." The deal for Stray Bullets was negotiated by Needle for Screen Media with Larry Fessenden and Jenn Wexler at Glass Eye Pix on behalf of the filmmakers. Screen Media's recent releases include Michel Gondry's Microbe & Gasoline and South American horror thriller Colonia starring Emma Watson and Daniel Bruhl. (Hollywood Reporter)

'After Fire' Doc Trailer Outlines Challenges Facing Female Veterans. "We all have our stories. A victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, depression -- it does not define who I am." After Fire centers on the challenges facing female veterans, as shown in The Hollywood Reporter's exclusive debut of the documentary's trailer. "In the military, the focus is the mission," says one veteran in the trailer. "Once the mission is over and you're transitioning to civilian life, you're in shock, because there's so much trauma that happened and you stuffed it away." Set in the military outpost of San Antonio, Texas, the 90-minute film zooms in on three women who candidly confront physical and psychological trauma, bureaucratic dysfunction and the fallout of their experiences on their personal lives as they adjust to the civilian world. "By following three women veterans as they adjust to the civilian world, After Fire shows how traumatic events like military sexual assault can reverberate in unexpected ways for years afterward," explains director and producer Brittany Huckabee. "Often, these women encounter a system unprepared to help them, and they struggle to communicate with loved ones who haven't shared their experiences. "But military women are resilient, and over the course of the film its subjects gain insight that can apply to anyone seeking to overcome trauma: telling our own stories, and having those stories heard, enables us to reconnect with ourselves and with a community -- and take the crucial first step toward healing." After Fire makes its world premiere on Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) at 7 p.m. at IFC Center, as part of DOC NYC. The Transform Films Inc production is currently seeking distribution. (Hollywood Reporter)

TV

Married to Medicine's Dr. Jackie Is ''More Than Nervous'' About the New Season -- And It's Not Because of Mariah's Return. "Yaaaaasssssss, honey, I'm back!" When Married to Medicine fans heard those words from Mariah Huq in the season four trailer, another question quickly followed: How is the cast going to react to her return? As it turns out, some stars like Dr. Jackie Walters are keeping their cool. "Now has Mariah ever been gone?" she asked E! News before the new season kicks off Sunday night. "She adds to the drama... If she's there, we're good. If she's not, we're good." But what about the speculation and fan theories that Mariah was pushed out last season? Not so fast, according to Dr. Jackie. "No one can ever be pushed out. You may be nudged and you make a decision to stay or go," she explained. "We have seasonal friends and we have friends you have for life and I think when that lifetime friendship broke, we were a little bit torn between who was going to stay in the group or not." While we watch what happens with this group, viewers are also interested in the dynamics between Dr. Jackie and her husband. While the season trailer teases some conflict, the Board-certified OBGYN admitted that busy schedules have provided some struggles in their marriage. "I was born busy," Dr. Jackie shared with E! News. "I'm not the person who's the 8 to 5, you go home and you just kind of kick it, that's never going to be my personality so with or without reality TV, I'm busy." Ultimately, the Bravo star is anxious to see what is said and done throughout the season. "Nervous is an understatement. I'm more than nervous because the part of reality TV is you have conversations that your spouse has never seen and when it airs on TV, this will probably be the first season we're not going to watch together," she confessed. Married to Medicine airs Sunday night at 9 p.m. only on Bravo. And Married to Medicine Houston premieres Friday at 9 p.m. also on Bravo. (Eonline)

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's Rachel Bloom & Donna Lynne Champlin Break Down Those Massive Cliffhangers (Yes, Plural). Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has wasted no time this season delivering twists that lesser shows might hold on to for months, and the night's episode--only the third in the CW show's second season--was no exception. After waffling back and forth over Josh (Vincent Rodriguez III) and Greg (Santino Fontana), performing "Love Triangles" (possibly the series' best song) in the style of Marilyn Monroe in the process, Rebecca (Rachel Bloom) finally made a decision and landed on Greg ... just as he decided to get the heck out of West Covina. She dashed to the airport and made it in time, but will it be enough to convince him to say? To be continued. That wasn't the only cliffhanging curveball the show threw our way in the final moments. Even more shocking was the twist in store for Paula (Donna Lynne Champlin), who, after finally deciding to follow her dreams and head to law school, found out that she's got an accidental bun in her oven. With Paula's professional dreams and Rebecca's romantic hopes hanging before them both on very thin thread, don't expect the road ahead to be easy. "She's working, she's got kids, and now she's adding a new element of the job, and then the element of the pregnancy of course comes out of nowhere," Champlin told E! News during a recent visit to the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend set. "How do you balance all of this stuff? Or do you get to the point where you go, 'I literally can't do all of this. Something's got to go.' Is it your dream of law school? Is it your marriage suffers? Is it you're not there for your kids? Something's got to give." "I think something really great is that it's not her going off and dealing with the situation herself. It's family planning. It's the definition of family planning," Bloom added. "She and Scott [Steve Monroe] really make an informed decision together." And about that Greg and Rebecca cliffhanger, Bloom wouldn't spill any details about what happens next, but what she did have to say didn't exactly put us at ease. "What I will say: Greg and Rebecca are at very different places in their lives," Bloom warned. "We ended the season with both of them kind of having taken these big steps back, with a lot of unrealized revelations. In the three weeks that take place between the end of season one and the beginning of season two, Greg has grown leaps and bounds and he's transcended a lot of his problems and anxieties in a way that Rebecca hasn't. In fact, she's gone further back." As romantic as Rebecca's race to the airport seemed, Bloom was quick to remind that fantasy isn't always reality. "No matter what the romantic comedy aspect of chasing somebody to the airport is -- In Rebecca's fantasy, that's all that matters. She's chased someone to the airport," she said. "What matters is they're on completely different levels when they meet in that airport." For more from the Crazy Ex stars, including why Champlin's so excited about Paula's latest setback. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend airs Fridays at 9 p.m. on the CW. (Eonline)

Homeland's First Season 6 Trailer Brings the Action to New York City. Homeland is back on home soil for season six as the action moves to New York City, and Showtime has released the first trailer for the new season. The new footage shows quick snippets of everyone's lives in the Big Apple, plus an ominous hint at what's in store for Carrie (Claire Danes): her biggest enemy might be on the same side. "I don't think you understand how vulnerable you are," F. Murray Abraham's Dar Adal tells her in a clip toward the end of the trailer. "I don't think you do," she shoots back. Season six moves the action from Europe to the Big Apple, and takes place in the period of time between Election Day and Inauguration Day. "It's an interesting time," said showrunner Alex Gansa. "A transition and transfer of power is happening. In that 72 days, we're hopefully going to tell an interesting story. Whether the president is male or female, it's going to be a very interesting character." Homeland's president elect is a woman who's "a little bit Hillary Clinton, a little bit Donald Trump, a little bit Bernie Sanders." According to Showtime's official description, season six picks up a few months after Carrie thwarted a terrorist attack in Berlin. She's living in Brooklyn and working at a foundation that provides aid to Muslims living in the U.S., and the entire season will take place in the time period Gansa specified. "It's a strange, transitional time in the halls of government filled with anxiety and different competing interests, where a very fragile and complex transfer of power takes place between the outgoing president and the incoming president-elect," the description reads. Homeland, which has already been renewed for a seventh and eighth season (!), will premiere on Sunday, Jan. 15 on Showtime. (Eonline)

Married With Children Reunion Is So Close to Really Happening, But... A Married With Children reunion is so close we can practically taste Peg Bundy's hairspray. Katey Sagal confirms that she, Ed O'Neill and Christina Applegate are already on board a spin-off that David Faustino has been developing. "Ed, Chrissy and I told them all that we would do the pilot of...a spin-off of the Bud Bundy story," Sagal told me this week at the premiere of her new real-life boxing drama Bleed For This (in theaters on Nov. 18). "But that was months ago and I haven't heard anything since. But we will all show up if that really happens." Fingers crossed! The sitcom centered around the Bundys, a dysfunctional working class family with parents Al (O'Neill) and Peggy (Sagal) and their two kids (Applegate and Faustino). Faustino first told E! News of his plans in June 2015. "Sony has it. They're excited about it," Faustino said at the premiere of Applegate's Vacation reboot. "They're working out some legal issues that we hope they work out." Applegate said, "Kelly Bundy probably has like 10 kids. I'm sure of it." Married With Children ended in 1997 after 11 seasons on Fox. (Eonline)

The Simpsons Renewed for Season 29 and Season 30, Breaks Records and Makes TV History in the Process. Nothing to say D'oh about here: The Simpsons has been renewed for an unprecedented 29th and 30th season by Fox, making it the longest-running animated series and the largest number of episodes for any scripted TV show ever. ¡Ay, caramba! Gunsmoke previously held the record for most scripted TV episodes with 635. The Simpsons will have 669. "Take that Gunsmoke! You lost a race you didn't even know you were running!," Homer Simpson, yes the fictional character, said in a statement from Fox. So far this season, The Simpsons has been averaging 7.2 million viewers across platforms. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean serve as executive producers. "This is yet another record-setting moment for what is truly a landmark series," Dana Walden and Gary Newman, chairmen and CEOs of Fox Television Group, said in a joint statement. "The Simpsons has meant so much to the network, the studio and everyone at Fox, and its continued cultural impact around the globe is a testament to the combined brilliance of Matt, Jim and Al. Congratulations to everyone who works on this groundbreaking series -- from the voice cast and producers to the writers and production team -- you comprise one of the greatest collections of creative talent in the history of the medium. And to the millions of Simpsons fans around the world, thank you for watching all these years. We're happy to tell you there's lots more to come." In the Sunday, Nov. 6 episode, Homer get ends up coaching the kids' lacrosse team with Milhouse's desperate dad. But Milhouse's dad, Kirk, is a little too clingy for Homer's tastes. The Simpsons airs Sundays, 8 p.m. on Fox. (Eonline)

The Crown Spoilers Are Real History, But the Stars Aren't Worried Because It's "the Classiest Soap Opera Ever Made." The Crown, Netflix's new drama about Queen Elizabeth II, has a little problem: All of the spoilers are out there. This is history. You know Elizabeth becomes queen. You know what happens to Winston Churchill. It's all happened. "It's all there," Claire Foy, Queen Elizabeth on the series, told E! News. "That's the amazing thing about it. It's all genuinely there. There are certain aspects of it where you go, 'That couldn't have happened,' and then you look it up and it did. That's why this show is so amazing, it's all researched, no stone was left unturned and they really got the most amazing stories out of it." But should people hit up Wikipedia to find out what happens to the royal family, specifically at the point in their lives on The Crown? "Why not?" Matt Smith, Prince Philip in The Crown, asked. "But also what's interesting about it as a show, I think, speaking personally, is that you learn a lot about them emotionally as people. You get to glimpse behind all those facts and go wow, 'What happens when they get ready for bed? What happens when they have breakfast? Where do they sleep? What do they wear?'" John Lithgow, who plays Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the series, has long rectified the fact that viewers know how the story ends with historical dramas. "Churchill is long gone... all those turbulent, quarrels of many years ago, but they're very compelling. I think of it as the classiest soap opera ever made with the highest stakes. It really was important what happened to this rascally young man, Prince Philip, when suddenly his wife became a queen and he suddenly lost his youth in an instant. The stakes are high," Lithgow told us. Need we say more about The Crown? Lithgow said it best: "The classiest soap opera ever made." The Crown season one is now streaming on Netflix. (Eonline)

Grey's Anatomy Just Introduced Arizona's New Love Interest and We're Not Sure We Like Her at All. Well, it looks like the time is finally right for Arizona Robbins to find love again on Grey's Anatomy. Unfortunately, it also looks like she'll be falling for Public Enemy No. 1 at Grey Sloan Memorial -- the just-introduced Dr. Eliza Minnick. After Catherine (Debbie Allen) came to the realization that the residency program was in disarray at the end of last week's episode, she and Bailey (Chandra Wilson) invited Eliza (Marika Dominczyk) to the hospital for a consultation on their teaching methods -- without alerting Webber (James Pickens Jr.), the residency director and, you know, Catherine's own husband. And this self-described agent of change wasted no time rubbing every single attending the absolute wrong way. Except for Arizona (Jessica Capshaw), that is. (It should also be noted that the residents love her already.) After Arizona spent much of the episode fretting over a list written by Eliza with names of every attending except, suspiciously, Arizona's that was found by Maggie (Kelly McCreary), she confronted the interloper and wanted to know what the deal was. "I was just trying to learn everyone's name. Writing it down helps me remember," she told Arizona, before getting her flirt on. "Arizona Robbins? That name attached to that face? No, that's not one you forget. Night." And, OK, yes, it was smooth as hell and got us all tingly inside thinking about our beloved Arizona happy and in love again, but why does it have to be with the same person who says things like "I don't share authority, I am the authority" and is totally going to take Bailey up on her offer to come and run the residency program, forcing Webber out of his position? Not cool, Shonda. Not cool. Elsewhere in the episode, April (Sarah Drew) started using Tinder, much to Jackson's (Jesse Williams) dismay, while Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) and Owen (Kevin McKidd) wouldn't stop arguing over anything. It turns out that his wife not coming home after work for two full weeks isn't Owen's favorite thing in the world. Amelia finally, at Alex's (Justin Chambers) insistence, dropped the bomb on Owen and told him she doesn't want to have a baby. It didn't go well, and she back crashing at Meredith's (Ellen Pompeo). It's safe to say the honeymoon is officially over for these two. What did you think about Eliza? Is she the worst or are we overreacting? Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on ABC. (Eonline)

How to Get Away With Murder's Latest Survivor Reveal Is a Major Gamechanger. It's pretty safe to say that we did not see this latest survivor reveal on How to Get Away With Murder coming. Just earlier Thursday, we still had Wes (Alfred Enoch) at the top of our list as the most likely answer to who's #underthesheet on Night X. So, who did Thursday night's episode reveal to be alive and well at the end? Why, Wes, of course. But not only is he still among the living, he's also somehow turned against Annalise (Viola Davis), corroborating the charges of arson and first-degree murder being levied against her in exchange for one iron-clad immunity offer. "You want someone to help take her down," he told the police. "This is the only way I talk." E tu, Wes?! Can we trust everything we saw? Knowing this show, no. You'll recall last season's infamous Annalise stab, which we later learned was part of a much larger plan set into motion by Annalise herself. Could Wes' betrayal be another one of those tricks? Only time will tell. But consider this hint from guest star Luna (Lauren) Velez, who recurs as Soraya Hargrove: "I think there's so much about that night we don't know. And the night is young. So, what you see may not always be what you get." As is often the case with Murder, the Wes reveal was hardly the only big development this week. After weeks of circling one another, pretending to be fine with their break-up, Oliver (Conrad Ricamora) finally came stumbling drunkenly back to Connor (Jack Falahee), leading to the two to sleep together (on Michaela's bed, no less!) Is Coliver back on? With Connor's whereabouts still unknown by the hour's end, making him only one of three possible victims #underthesheet, we're praying this reunion isn't short-lived. But with Asher (Matt McGorry) revealing to Michaela (Aja Naomi King) that Annalise had called him, Connor, and Laurel (Karla Souza) to her house for a meeting before the whole place went up in flames, consider us especially concerned about Connor. The week also saw a major development in Annalise and Soraya's relationship, with the former learning the latter had been getting blackout drunk and is at risk of losing her children. Soraya's naked vulnerability during the AA meeting prompted Annalise to share the name of a top family law attorney who can help her out. "One of the things I think is so fascinating about the character of Annalise is the whole façade. So, when Viola revealed this whole thing: taking off the wig, taking off the lashes that she puts on every date to create herself. And when she takes it off, it's a moment. She recognizes that moment in Soraya when she's giving her AA speech, just about what it must take to put on this mask every day to come to work," Velez told us. "Meanwhile, Soraya's having blackout drinking binges and losing her children and everything's in jeopardy. And she still comes to work every day. So I think immediately she recognizes that she's not alone. There's somebody else there and it's a woman, so the question may still be friend or foe, but I think it's leaning closer some kind of understanding that she's a friend." Is Velez worried about Soraya being drawn too far into Annalise's web, knowing what tends to happen to be who get too close to the formidable lawyer? "Worried? What -- are you kidding? I can't wait to see what happens," Velez said, laughing. "I can't wait to see it devolve because it's going to. And I think how they salvage whatever happens is going to be really interesting." What do you think about Wes' betrayal? Do you think it's legit or is there more to this story? How to Get Away With Murder airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on ABC. (Eonline)

Lisa Vanderpump's finest are back for more tension and unexpected Sur-prises! Vanderpump Rules season 5 premieres on Monday, November 7, and Us Weekly's exclusive sneak peek shows Stassi Schroeder pleading with Tom Schwartz to give Lala Kent the cold shoulder. The Bravo unscripted series' preview clip features a heated conversation at a party between Schroeder, Schwartz and Kristen Doute as they discuss Kent, who revealed her interest in Schwartz, 32,during the season 4 finale. Schroeder, 28, asks him, "If Lala comes up and is nice to you, how are you going to be?" Without hesitation, Schwartz -- who is engaged to cast member Katie Maloney -- responds, "I'm going to be nice." Schroeder, unsatisfied with Schwartz's answer, fiercely defends her best friend, Maloney, and explains to Schwartz that Kent "terrorizes" his fiancee. Schwartz attempts to put things into perspective by explaining, "For a long time Katie hated you, and you guys had falling outs." He goes on to say that Maloney "would ask me to inherit these grudges." When Schroeder accuses him of having done just that, Schwartz admits, "I did it to you because I didn't like you for real. For a while!" Schwartz tells the ladies about hanging out with them, "I feel like I can't voice my opinion." Schroeder confirms his suspicions, saying, "Only if your opinion is, like, right, and then we'll let you voice it!" It's no secret that Doute, 33, and Schroeder are each other's ride-or-die, and Schwartz tells the camera about their inseparable bond: "They're some sort of 'vagina mafia.' It's like they have each other's back no matter what." Vanderpump Rules returns to Bravo Monday, November 7, at 9 p.m. ET. (US Weekly)

Mary Berry to Host New BBC Show After 'Great British Bake Off' Exit. She will "explore Britain's great houses through her love of cooking," says BBC director of content Charlotte Moore. The BBC on Friday unveiled a new show to be hosted by Mary Berry, who recently announced she would not return as a judge on The Great British Bake Off when the hit show moves to Channel 4. The six-part show, Mary Berry's Secrets From Britain's Great Houses, will see her sample "the culinary histories of stately homes and create new recipes inspired by her visits. In the 30-minute series produced by Shine, Berry, 81, will reveal the workings of the houses, visit the kitchens, gardens and private rooms and meet the custodians. Berry said she was "so excited" about the new show. "I have always had an inquiring mind, so I know I will be inspired by the great houses we visit." BBC director of content Charlotte Moore said: "This series will be a real treat for BBC One viewers to go behind the scenes with Mary Berry and explore Britain's great houses through her love of cooking." Fellow Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood recently said he would stay with the show in a three-year deal with Channel 4. Before the ratings juggernaut leaves the U.K. public broadcaster, Berry, Hollywood and hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc will be seen in two Bake Off holidays on the BBC. (Hollywood Reporter)

Dave Chappelle to Host 'Saturday Night Live' for the First Time. He will make his debut on Nov. 12. Saturday Night Live has landed a big name for it's first post-election show. Dave Chappelle is set to make his hosting debut on Nov. 12, it was announced Friday. Chappelle, best known for his acclaimed Comedy Central series in addition to his stand-up, has rarely made TV or other public appearance in the years since he abruptly left Chappelle's Showin 2005 and the series ended the following year. In recent years, he has returned to stand-up, most famously performing 10 nights at Radio City Music Hall in June 2014, and even appeared in Spike Lee's 2015 film Chi-Raq. A Tribe Called Quest, who are about to release their first album in 18 years, will serve as the musical guest. SNL will next welcome Benedict Cumberbatch for his hosting debut on Nov. 5. (Hollywood Reporter)

TV Ratings: 'The Good Place' Grows on Thursday. The absence of baseball gives few other series any lifts. CBS topped Thursday primetime by all measures, though no series saw any same-day improvement from the prior week. With only the NFL Network coverage of the Atlanta-Tampa game to contend with, few broadcast series were up on Thursday night. Perhaps a TV hangover from the 40-plus tuning into the conclusion of the World Series the night before. The Big Bang Theory still topped all, down to a 3.0 rating among adults 18-49 -- but still earning a massive 13.9 million viewers. The Great Indoors moved down to a 1.7 rating in the key demo in its second episode, while Mom and Life in Pieces each earned a same-day score of a 1.3 rating in the key demo. Pure Genius may have a problem at 10 p.m. In its second episode, the drama was already down to a 0.9 rating among adults 18-49 -- easily losing the hour to ABC and NBC competition. NBC had the advantage of NFL preemptions in Tampa and Atlanta, but still posted a solid showing without any inevitable downward adjustments. Between steady episodes of Superstore (1.2 adults) and Chicago Med(1.6 adults), The Good Place rose two-tenths of a point to a 1.4 rating in the key demo. The Blacklist wrapped the night with a 1.3 rating. Grey's Anatomy (2.1 adults), Notorious (0.8 adults) and How to Get Away With Murder (1.1 adults) were steady on ABC -- as were Legends of Tomorrow (0.6 adults) and Supernatural (0.7 adults) on the CW. (Hollywood Reporter)

When is a crime scene not really a crime scene?? When ABC News FAKES IT for a live TV shot. Viewers at home watched live Friday morning as Linsey Davis reported in front of what appeared to be a crime scene in South Carolina ... where a woman had allegedly been held captive in a storage container by a sex offender. Problem was ... the crime scene tape was just a TV prop to make it look like she was in front of the real crime scene ... and the lie was exposed in a photo obtained by CNN. You can clearly see the yellow tape was tied to production equipment to give the illusion Davis was reporting right from the scene of the investigation. The segment aired on "Good Morning America." ABC News is placing the blame on the field producer -- saying, "As soon as it was brought to our attention, we decided to take the producer out of the field, and we're investigating further." "This action is completely unacceptable and fails to meet the standards of ABC News," ABC News' VP of Communication said in a statement. By the way, this isn't the first time Davis has been in the headlines this week -- she was the reporter who interviewed Lil Wayne for 'Nightline' when he ranted about Black Lives Matter and stormed out of the interview. (TMZ)