ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
She just got married to her longtime love, Keven Undergaro, live on TV on New Year's Eve. So what's next for Maria Menounos? Babies! "God put this all on my plate perfectly," Menounos, 39, tells PEOPLE in this week's issue, on stands Friday. She and Undergaro, 51, who began their courtship 20 years ago and got engaged in 2016, were planning for IVF before she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor last summer. While 99.9 percent of the tumor was successfully removed, Menounos still has to monitor it to make sure there's no regrowth. "I don't know what's going to happen," she says. Though they still want to start a family, "I need to work with doctors to see if getting pregnant is the smartest thing," Menounos adds. "I do have some kids in the freezer, maybe we'll implant. But if not, we'll look into surrogacy." Undergaro, who was an unwavering source of support for Menounos throughout her diagnosis and recovery, feels that surrogacy might be the best option for the couple. "We definitely want children," he says. "But I'm very concerned about her going through a pregnancy, and I would like to explore [using a] surrogate because her body has been through hell. I want a baby desperately, but I don't want it to be at the risk of her health." Though she hasn't had an MRI since July, Menounos says she's "doing well" and was back to work on New Year's Eve co-hosting the Fox special with Steve Harvey. "I really believe that God has a plan," she says. "If I'm supposed to have a baby, it's going to happen. If not, maybe God is protecting me from this tumor growing." The couple plans to start looking into surrogacy as an option this month and to talk to Menounos' doctor. "I'll be due for an MRI to make sure nothing is changed and if it hasn't, then we'll weigh all the pros and cons and decide," she says. "It's hard. I really would love to have the experience [of pregnancy] once, but I feel like God is going to tell me." (People)
Josh Duhamel Talks Co-Parenting With Fergie: It's a ''Juggling Act.'' Josh Duhamel is taking on the tricky task of co-parenting in stride. Four months have passed since the actor and Fergie announced the end of their eight-year marriage, and in a new interview with E! News, Duhamel says he is a "great relationship" with the mother of their 4-year-old son. "It's going really well," he tells us at NBCUniversal's TCA presentation. "We have a great relationship. We really do. She's a great mother." Shortly before going public with their split, Fergie and Josh were all smiles as they celebrated Axl's birthday. Now that they're no longer together, the Unsolved star explains their priorities as mom and dad haven't changed. "All we want is the best for our son, so it's a bit of a juggling act but we're both grownups who can handle a lot," Duhamel shares. "And he's happy. That's the main thing." Fergie has echoed a similar sentiment in post-breakup interviews, telling Wendy Williams that she'll always "love" Josh and their family dynamic hasn't changed all that much. She said on the daytime talk show, "We forever have that project together and we're doing the best we can... We're with him all the time, we're just not with him together all the time. We try to do a once a week thing where we're all three together." In a joint statement issued last September the exes announced, "With absolute love and respect we decided to separate as a couple earlier this year. To give our family the best opportunity to adjust, we wanted to keep this a private matter before sharing it with the public. We are and will always be united in our support of each other and our family." (Eonline)
David Foster Is Not Planning on Marrying Katherine McPhee. While David Foster and Katherine McPhee are enjoying their May/December relationship right now, don't expect wedding bells in the near future. A source tells E! News that the musical duo, who just can't keep their hands off each other, isn't talking about marriage anytime soon, but they are "enjoying the bond that they share right now." The insider also says that, "Their relationship is very healthy and in a good place." Despite already walking down the aisle four times, the source says that, "David has not shown any interest in getting married again. He hasn't discounted how he feels about Katherine but there are no plans for them to even get engaged anytime soon." The source also made it clear that Katherine wasn't pushing to get married, in fact the couple is "content" where they are. Luckily everyone seems to have a good sense of humor about the marrying man, who split from his fourth wife Yolanda Hadid in December 2015. "David's daughters joke that their father would indeed require a strict prenup for his fifth marriage," said the insider. David has eight children, five of which are daughters. The source also admitted, "No one sees him walking down the aisle again and it has not been a discussion." Katherine, who was previously married to Nick Cokas from 2008-2016, was first romantically linked to David in May 2017, but the two have known each other over a decade. An E! News source recently described their relationship as "more serious" than ever. The source explained at the time, "Katharine has always had a crush on David, and she's happy that their relationship is transpiring." "David is usually a playboy but Katharine has made him change his ways, and he is really comfortable with her," our insider also shared. In the December 2017 issue of Health, Kat said they were just "good friends." She added, "I'm really, really fond of him, and I think he's an incredible person. I've known him since I was 21-years-old, you know? He produced my first single. So he's been really good to me. People can say whatever they want." Earlier this week, Hadid recently came out to say that she was in love. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star stopped by the Wendy Williams Show on Tuesday and confirmed she's off the market and dating a businessman who she couldn't help but gush over. "I'm very much in love," said the not-so single star. The former model said she wanted to feel ready to date again following her divorce. "I have been single for two and a half years," she explained. "I needed to take that time for me to heal and to step into my own power as a single woman. It was great. But I just met an amazing man." (Eonline)
The Reason People Are Calling Kelly Clarkson a 'Lazy' and 'Ignorant' Mom. Kelly Clarkson is facing backlash on social media after revealing she spanks her 3-year-old daughter River. "I don't mean hitting her hard," the three-time Grammy winner said in a recent radio interview with 98.9 The Buzz in Rochester, New York. "I mean just a spanking." Clarkson, 35, explained that her parents used physical punishment when she was growing up in Texas. "I'm from the South, 'y'all, so we get spankings," she said. "My mom would call the principal if I ever ended up in the principal's office and give permission for her to spank me . . . I'm a well-rounded individual with a lot of character, so I think it's fine." The singer, who also shares son Remy, 21 months, with her husband, Brandon Blackstock, added that she warns River before a spanking. "I'm like, 'Hi, I'm going to spank you on the bottom if you don't stop right now, this is ridiculous,' and honestly it's really helped. She doesn't do that kind of stuff as often." But many people don't agree with Clarkson's methods and they made that clear on Facebook. "Wish she would do some research making public ignorant comments. Spanking teaches violence," wrote one person. Added another: "I never spanked my kids. I think it's lazy parenting." A third echoed the sentiment calling it "a bulls- lazy way to parent." Meanwhile, others applauded Clarkson for her choice. As one mom wrote: "Good for her! Glad there are still parents out there that set limits for their kids and give consequences when needed. There is a difference between abuse and punishing out of love not anger. Spanking in a controlled manner and with loving correction can be a very good thing." The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that caretakers "do not spank or use physical punishments" when disciplining children as "that only teaches aggressive behavior, and it becomes ineffective if used often." Instead the APP suggests, disciplining young children with time outs and older children by "temporarily removing favorite privileges." (MSN)
Eric Clapton Reveals He Has Tinnitus. Eric Clapton revealed Tuesday (Jan. 9) that he is losing his hearing and was diagnosed with tinnitus. Tinnitus is "the perception of noise or ringing in the ears," according to Mayo Clinic. It is often a symptom of a more severe condition, such as hearing loss or an ear injury. "I am still going to work. I'm doing a few gigs," the 72-year old guitarist said in an interview with Steve Wright on BBC Radio 2 while discussing his documentary, Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars. "I'm concerned with now is being in my 70s and being able to be proficient. I mean, I'm going deaf, I've got tinnitus, my hands just about work. I mean, I am hoping that people will come along and see me for more than that [because] I am a curiosity. I know that is part of it, because it's amazing to myself that I am still here." Clapton also suffers with peripheral neuropathy, which causes weakness and pain in hands and feet, making it difficult to play guitar. The legend, however, still has some concerts lined up in New York and Los Angeles in March 2018. Fans can catch Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars February 10 on Showtime. (Billboard)
Rick Springfield Reveals He Is Still Struggling with Depression and Recently Considered Suicide. Rick Springfield revealed he considered suicide as recently as last year. The "Jessie's Girl" singer, 68, opened up about his lifelong battle with depression in a new interview on SiriusXM's Feedback, airing Thursday, and shared that he struggled with thoughts of suicide. "Last year I was close to it, really close to it," Springfield told host Lori Majewski about nearly ending his life. "'Suicide Manifesto' is stuff I think about. I've been close to it," he said about his forthcoming song from his new album, The Snake King. "When Robin Williams and Chester [Bennington and Chris Cornell] and those guys ... I didn't go, 'Oh that's terrible.' I went, 'I get it.' I get being that lost and dark." Adding, "You're in so much pain that you just want it to end. I have been there, and I know what it's like and I understand. It's just part of your makeup." This isn't the first time Springfield has discussed his suicide attempts. In his 2011 autobiography, Late, Late at Night, he opened up about the depression, which he calls The Darkness or "Mr. D," he first suffered when he was 17, when he tried to commit suicide. Luckily, the rope he used for a noose snapped. "I tried. I don't know how I survived it, but I survived the hanging," Springfield told Majewski recalling the incident that happened nearly five decades ago. "When I had kids I said, 'Okay that takes suicide off the table, that's not an option anymore, I don't care how bad I feel.' But now my kids are grown. It's really weird ... it would devastate them," he said. "I don't know how I could ever come to terms with that. But it rides on my shoulder every day." Springfield says he is taking steps to stay well. "I've taken Prozac and all that kind of stuff and I meditate. Mediation is the only thing that takes me out of it. If I truly meditate and focus and get to that place, I'm not depressed. No matter what's going on. But it's pretty hard," he shared. "I'm alive and well. Anyone says, 'How you doing?' I never go, 'Great.' Because it's bulls -- . I go, 'I'm okay -- I'm there.' Sometimes I'll go, 'F -- ing horrible, I've had a terrible day.'" Springfield said of talking to other people about his emotions. "We've all had the social front and it just makes me feel like such a liar when I go home and I look in the mirror and I go, 'Really, you said that to somebody? That everything's great and you're feeling awesome? That's bulls -- ,'" he continued. Adding, "I'm at the point now in my life where I want to do what's truthful." The complete interview with Rick Springfield aired on Thursday, Jan. 11, on "Feedback" on SiriusXM's Volume channel 106. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). (People)
James Franco Further Addresses Sexual Misconduct Claims on Late Night. James Franco doesn't seem too concerned about his reputation. On the heels of his recent Golden Globe win, multiple women have, via Twitter, accused him of sexual misconduct. Franco shared his side of the story with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show Tuesday, and he further addressed the allegations in an interview with Seth Meyers on Late Night Wednesday. "I was sent a couple of the tweets. So yeah, I did read them. I haven't responded," the Disaster Artist actor said. "The ones I read were not accurate, but one of the things that I've learned is that this is a conversation that obviously needs to be had. There are people, women and others, who have not been a part of this conversation. I truly believe, and why I was wearing the pin, is that they need to be a part of this conversation. I support them." Meyers referenced tweets from Ally Sheedy, who appeared four years ago in Franco's The Long Shrift, his off-Broadway directorial debut. After Franco won the Golden Globe, Sheedy wrote, "Please never ask me why I left the film/TV business." Sheedy later deleted her tweets, without explanation, and Franco said he didn't understand her motives. "I had a great relationship with her. She took the tweet down. I don't know. I really don't," he said, adding that he hadn't reached out to her. When Meyers asked if he was "curious" about Sheedy's tweets, Franco responded, "I don't know. It was so shocking. I don't know. I just...I guess I'm just letting it be." Meyers then asked Franco if he'd taken a moment to "look back and question" his past behavior, given how many men in his industry have been accused of sexual misconduct in recent months. "I think what I really learned, and being here this week, and that show that we were [at] -- it was so powerful in there. Like I said, there are stories that need to get out. There are people that need to be heard. I have my own side of this story, but I believe in these people that have been underrepresented getting their stories out enough that I will hold back things that I could say just because I believe in that much," he said. "If I have to take a knock because I'm not going to try and actively refute things, then I will, because I believe in it that much." (Eonline)
HBO has received 'no complaints' about James Franco. Ever since he won a Golden Globe for "The Disaster Artist" on Sunday, James Franco has been a target of sexual misconduct allegations on social media, which have led to the cancellation of his New York Times event. The backlash against the actor-director also has prompted a reaction from HBO, where Franco is star and executive producer of new porn industry drama "The Deuce," recently renewed for a second season. "We have verified that no complaints about Mr. Franco have come in on 'The Deuce' production," HBO said in a statement to Deadline. Franco addressed the allegations during his appearance on CBS' "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" Tuesday night. He told Colbert that he was aware of what Ally Sheedy had said. Shortly after his win, Sheedy sent out a vague tweet about Franco's behavior in the past. The two worked together on the 2014 off-Broadway production of "The Long Shrift." To this, Franco said, "I have no idea what I did to Ally Sheedy. I had nothing but a great time with her. I have total respect for her." He said that they had fun working together and he said he couldn't speak for her and reiterated that he did not know what he did. Other women followed Sheedy's tweet but were less vague. Violet Paley and Sarah Tither Kaplan tweeted out detailed accusations against Franco about inappropriate sexual behavior. In regard to these tweets, he said, "In my life, I pride myself in taking responsibility for things I've done. I have to do that to maintain my well-being. I do it whenever something needs to be changed." He said that things that were out on Twitter were "not accurate." He continued, "I completely support people coming out and being able to have a voice because they haven't had a voice for so long. I don't want to shut them down in any way. It's a good thing I support." Colbert then asked Franco if there is a way to have discussions about sexual harassment allegations outside of social media. The "Late Show" host then asked if there was a way to come to what the truth is and come to some reconciliation between people who clearly have different views of things. "If I have done something wrong, I will fix it -- I have to," said Franco. "That's how that works. I don't know what else to do." He then concluded by referring to the Time's Up movement during the Globes, "The point is to listen. I am here to listen and learn and change perspective where it's off. I'm completely willing and want to." (PageSix)
Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and his estranged wife, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, have agreed on an eight-figure divorce settlement, sources told The Post. The former couple inked the deal, which is estimated to be worth between $15 million and $20 million, at the end of last year, a source said. Paperwork will be filed in court in the coming days, the sources said. The settlement came just as their marriage was approaching the 10-year mark. Their prenuptial agreement says Weinstein must pay Chapman $300,000 in spousal support for each year of the marriage. After a decade, that figure jumps to $400,000. Chapman will also get a slice of their marital assets and other payments, sources said. Their holdings include a $15 million West Village townhouse and a $12 million Hamptons beach house. The painstaking settlement nearly collapsed, which would have required the parties to bring a public divorce case, sources said. The "Shakespeare in Love" producer was once worth an estimated $240 million, but he's been spending millions of dollars on lawyers, private investigators and publicists since over 100 women came forward accusing him of sexual abuse and rape. Chapman, 41, announced she was leaving Weinstein, 65, in October. They have two kids, ages 7 and 4. She will get primary custody, sources said. Weinstein's spokeswoman did not immediately comment. Chapman's attorneys, Dan Rottenstreich and Bernard Clair, declined to comment. (Page Six)
Logan Paul's YouTube Channel Removed From Google Preferred After "Suicide Forest" Video. YouTube has made the decision to remove Logan Paul's channels from Google Preferred, which forms YouTube's top content into packages for advertisers. Deadline reports that YouTube made the decision on Wednesday, while also announcing that Paul will not be in the next season of the YouTube Red series Foursome. YouTube has made these decisions a little over a week after Paul posted a controversial video of his time in "Suicide Forest," which appeared to show a dead body. The video has since been removed from YouTube and Paul has apologized both on Twitter and in a video, but the backlash against him continues. On Tuesday, YouTube posted an open letter on Twitter addressing Paul's video. "Many of you have been frustrated with our lack of communication recently," the statement began. "You're right to be. You deserve to know what's going on. Like many others, we were upset by the video that was shared last week." The message continued, "Suicide is not a joke, nor should it ever be a driving force for views. As Anna Akana put it perfectly: 'That body was a person someone loved. You do not walk into a suicide forest with a camera and claim mental health awareness.' We expect more of the creators who build their community on @YouTube, as we're sure you do too. The channel violated our community guidelines, we acted accordingly, and we are looking at further consequences." "It's taken us a long time to respond, but we've been listening to everything you've been saying. We know that the actions of one creator can affect the entire community, so we'll have more to share soon on steps we're taking to ensure a video like this is never circulated again." On Jan. 3, Paul took to Twitter to tell his social media followers that he's "taking time to reflect no vlog for now see you soon." (Eonline)
Motorhead guitarist Eddie Clarke is dead. Clarke, who went by "Fast Eddie," died peacefully after fighting pneumonia. He was the last of the OGs from the band. Motorhead frontman Lemmy (aka Ian Kilmister) and bandmate Phil Taylor died 2 years ago. The current drummer, Mikkey Dee was clearly shocked, posting, "I saw Eddie not too long ago and he was in great shape." The bank formed in '75 and they produced some monster songs, including "Motorhead" and "Ace of Spades." They also produced some super successful albums, including the band's first self-titled album as well as "Overkill and Bomber." As for Clarke, he left the group 1982 and formed the band Fastway. Clarke was 67. RIP. (TMZ)
THE OTHER STUFF . . .
Prince Harry Still Hasn't Asked Prince William to Be His Best Man. You better get on that, Harry! While plans for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding on May 19 are fully under way, it appears as if there's one area that's been overlooked -- the role of best man. In a surprising (and somewhat adorable) confession Prince William admitted that his younger brother hadn't actually asked him to be best man at his impending nuptials. The royal joked, "He hasn't asked me yet, just to clear that up -- it could be a sensitive issue." The question popped up during a group discussion for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a charity aimed at preventing male suicide through open discussion which has recently launched a "Best Man Project" celebrating men's friendship. In the discussion, the soon-to-be father-of-three said spoke candidly about the close relationship he has with Harry. "My brother and I's relationship is closer than it's been because of the situations we've been through," he said. "Losing our mother at a young age has helped us to travel through that difficult patch together. You're like-minded. You go through similar things, it's a bond and it's something you know you've tackled together and come out better for it." Of course, it's believed that William will be Harry's best man on his big day, as Harry was William's best man when he wed Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. This will be the first wedding for Harry and the second for Meghan, who was previously married to producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013. The royal and his American leading lady will tie the knot at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. (Eonline)
Fuller House's Juan Pablo Di Pace Joins Forces With PETA. Juan Pablo Di Pace is taking a stand with PETA. The Fuller House star is teaming up with the organization as he launches bit to extinguish circus cruelty. "My love for animals really comes from being a kid and discovering stray cats and dogs ... and bringing them in," begins Di Pace during the promotional video. "I have a special love for felines. I love small cats, big cats. ... To see what things are done to them in the circus is really upsetting ... they sleep in tiny cages. They're forced to do things they don't want to do. They beat them up," he says. "[W]hat we see in the circus is just a fraction of what these poor animals have to go through." The actor goes on to explain how uneasy and "unnerved" he is by seeing animals perform tricks and that he would never take his children to a circus that featured animals because it would be too upsetting for him. He says he'd much rather them go to a circus that features only talented human performers. "I wouldn't want them to think it's OK," he says. "Because it's not. ... [Y]ou can really go to the circus watching amazing performances by clowns or acrobats or dancers. ... [L]et's stop [going to animal circuses]." Di Pace now joins the list of stars like Penelope Cruz, Kate del Castillo, Eva Mendes, Wilmer Valderrama, George Lopez, and Edward James Olmos, who have all helped PETA promote kindness to animals. (Eonline)
Kendall Jenner Gets Candid About Her "Debilitating Anxiety." Kendall Jenner is one of the most photographed women in the world, but some days, she just wants to disappear. Cara Delevingne interviewed the supermodel for the February issue of Harper's Bazaar, on newsstands Jan. 23, where she spoke candidly about the downside of fame. "I feel like the life I live is extraordinary in a lot of ways but that it also comes with a lot of responsibilities," she said. "I've had to grow up pretty fast and deal with situations most 22-year-olds aren't really put into. There are days and weeks and months when you just don't stop." As a jet-setting star herself, Delevingne gets it, admitting the pressure can be "crushing." "It can!" the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star agreed. "And you know me and how OCD I can get over the littlest things. If something isn't going the way I planned, I freak out. Some days I just want to go live on a farm and not talk to anyone and just exist in the middle of nowhere." Lately, Jenner said she has been suffering from "debilitating anxiety." "I literally wake up in the middle of the night with full-on panic attacks. Where do I even start? Everything is so horrible; it's hard to name one thing. I just think that the world needs so much love. I wish I had the power to send Cupid around the planet, as cheesy as that sounds," the supermodel told Delevingne. "You go online and you see everyone saying the worst things to each other, and it's hard to stay positive. It's hard not to get eaten alive by all the negativity." For her own sanity, Jenner -- who has 86.2 million Instagram followers -- said she's "tried to stay off" the social media platform lately. "I definitely don't look at comments. I think Instagram is still a fun place for the most part. I like going on and seeing what people are up to, but I mostly follow stupid accounts with pictures of puppies and little baby animals and people saving animals," she said. "Forget about Twitter, which is so not fun these days. It just makes me sad." Jenner has been in the spotlight for over a decade, but she doesn't always see herself as a celebrity. "I had a pretty normal childhood, with a twist, and went to school until the 10th grade. For 11th and 12th, I did home school, but I still saw a lot of my old friends," she said. "I didn't go to prom, though, which was kind of annoying. I can't really complain except for now, maybe, I would like to go to Disneyland or a public beach. To go to a beach in peace would be lovely. To be able to hang out and meet new people and not be bothered would be awesome." Read the full interview with Jenner at Harper's Bazaar. (Eonline)
George and Amal Clooney Surprise Theater With Gifts After "Fantastic" Date Night. Date nights are never taken for granted with this famous couple. As George Clooney and Amal Clooney continue raising their six-month-old twins, the pair was recently able to enjoy an evening out -- away from the kids. According to an Instagram post made by actress Bethan Nash, the proud parents traveled to The Mill at Sonning in England to see a production of My Fair Lady. And while it may have been exciting to have the duo in the audience, the cast was surprised to receive a note and flowers from the parents as a thank you gift for such a special night. "Amal and I wanted to thank you for a fantastic night of theater," the letter stated. "We loved every minute of it. You were all so wonderful. My extended family loved it too. Thank you and have a great run." "This is better than fairy dust! A letter and flowers from George and Amal Clooney!" Bethan wrote on Instagram with pictures of the gifts. "Thank you!!!#georgeclooney #amalclooney #MyFairLady #showoftheweek #review @millatsonning @newmutinytheatreco #flowers #flowerstagram #fairydust #mademylife #actors #theatre #elizadolittle #thankful #thankyou." As fans know, this isn't the first time George and Amal have given strangers a thoughtful gift. Just last month, the pair gave out noise-canceling Casamigos headphones to passengers seated by them on a recent flight. The passengers were also given a note that read, "Our twins just discovered SQUAWKING!! Hope this helps make the flight a little quieter." Always thinking things through! (Eonline)
Teresa Giudice Defends Dinner With Divorce Lawyer. Teresa Giudice cleared up some rumors about her marriage Wednesday night. After the season finale of The Real Housewives of New Jersey aired on Bravo, Teresa and sister-in-law Melissa Gorga stopped by Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. At one point, Andy Cohen asked her why it took about "eight months" to see husband Joe Giudice in prison. "I don't know if it was eight months," the reality star corrected him. "My mom got sick, so I didn't see him the whole time my mom was sick, those three months. I remember the one day I was going to see him, that's when my dad got sick, and then I had to turn around and go back. Then there was a chicken pox breakout there, in the prison, so we weren't allowed to go see him -- that was like a whole month. Oh, and then they found contraband from other inmates!" Teresa said she obviously "missed" her husband, especially after their visit. "But, you know, I don't really enjoy going there," she said. "Even when I was [in prison], I was like, 'Don't come!'" "I'm sure he'll probably be [watching the interview]," Teresa added. "Hi, honey! Love you!" Later, Andy asked Teresa about her recent dinner with divorce attorney Loren La Forge-Kyriakoulis. "It was my friend!" she insisted. "It was my friend! And [Melissa] was there, too!" Melissa, who happened to run into Teresa that night, said her Instagram caption was "stupid," and Teresa said she "had help" writing it. "I was helping her, just in case. If anybody's getting divorced, she's a great divorce attorney to call. Get it? I was helping her. Yes! Capisce? Capisce." But, Andy countered, "You made it look like you were getting the advice." "Then I changed the caption because everybody's like, 'Oh, you're getting a divorce?'" Teresa said, annoyed by the speculation. "It's like, c'mon. It's, like, everybody always thinks the worst!" "Well, you're sitting at a thing with a divorce lawyer and you say, 'I'm getting great advice!'" Andy said. Teresa corrected him again, saying, "With my friend, getting good advice. What's the matter with two women sitting together and shooting the breeze, talking about growing up...?" (Eonline)
Diet Coke Is Getting a Makeover With 4 New Fruit-Flavored Sodas. Prepare for a whole new Diet Coke experience! Beverage giant Coca-Cola announced this week that it's rolling out new packaging, ad campaigns and new flavors for its beloved Diet Coke property. While the classic Diet Coke will remain unchanged, four new flavors will be introduced this month including Ginger Lime, Feisty Cherry, Zesty Blood Orange and Twisted Mango. "After speaking to more than 10,000 people and spending years exploring all kinds of combinations like tropical, citrus and even botanical notes, we found magic," Coca Cola said in a press release. "Trust us when we say, you haven't tasted anything like this before." "Whether you're a longtime fan, or just the type who's down to try new things, give Diet Coke a taste and you'll see what we're talking about." Diet Coke and the new flavors will be packaged in sleek 12-oz. cans and sold as on-the-go singles and in eight-packs. Diet Coke will also continue to be offered in all existing package sizes. The fresh cans that match the shape and size of DASANI Sparkling were made to give Diet Coke a more "contemporary feel." And for those who don't like change, it could have a lot to do with millennials' desires to switch things up. "Millennials are now thirstier than ever for adventures and new experiences, and we want to be right by their side," Coca Cola's group director Rafael Acevedo said in a statement. "We're contemporizing the Diet Coke brand and portfolio with sleek packaging and new flavors that are appealing to new audiences." Be right back! We're heading to the grocery store to taste test these flavors. (Eonline)
Music
Taylor Swift Releases "End Game" Music Video Trailer. Taylor Swift gave fans a sneak peek of her new music video for "End Game" on Thursday by debuting a teaser on Good Morning America. The action-packed, 20-second clip showed Swift rocking out on a yacht, taking in a fireworks show, riding motorcycles and hanging out with Ed Sheeran and Future, who are also featured on the track. It looks like Swift travelled around the world to make this video extra special for her fans. According to ABC News, the video was shot in Miami, Tokyo and London. The song is featured on Swift's sixth studio album Reputation. The Grammy-winning artist released the album in November after dropping a series of singles, including "Look What You Made Me Do," "...Ready for It?" and "Gorgeous." It's already been a big year for the country-turned-pop star. Swift is gearing up for her Reputation Stadium Tour, which begins in May, and is walking into the 2018 Grammys with two nominations. The full music video for "End Game" drops at midnight. Can't wait that long? Check out the trailer for a sneak peek. Swift announced she would be releasing the trailer on Wednesday via her app. "I wanted to let you know first, the End Game video comes out tomorrow!," Swift wrote underneath a shot from the video. "Gonna be posting a few pictures on here before the trailer premieres on GMA tomorrow #EndGameMusicVideo." She then continued to tease the video with more photos throughout the day. (Eonline)
Her Planet Hollywood residency may have ended on New Year's Eve, but Britney Spears is going to keep on dancing. Multiple sources reveal in the new issue of Us Weekly that the pop star, 36, signed a deal to perform at Las Vegas' Park Theater -- the same spot where Lady Gaga will kick off a 74-date run in December. (Bruno Mars, Ricky Martin and Cher all have recurring performances booked at the theater inside Monte Carlo's resort. Notes a source, "They are really trying to compete with some of the more established venues in Las Vegas.") Says one source of the gig, set to begin in 2019, "They made the offer and she just couldn't refuse. She loves Vegas!" The "Hold It Against Me" singer especially digs that the steady job affords her plenty of time with her sons Preston, 12, and Jayden, 11. (Their dad is her ex-husband Kevin Federline.) "The schedule was perfect for her and her kids," says the source, "so why not continue?" That's not to say it was easy bidding farewell to Planet Hollywood. Another insider says the Grammy winner's New Year's Eve show "was emotional." In her final, pre-show meet and greet, the star mingled with fans, posed for photos and tearfully made a toast to one of her biggest fans, "who has supported her for nearly two decades," says the insider. "There wasn't a dry eye in the house." (US Weekly)
Rachel Platten's Dramatic Performance of 'Collide' Amid a Sea of Flowers on 'Corden'. Rachel Platten started off 2018 with a fiery performance. The bellowing crooner dropped by The Late Late Show With James Corden to perform the soaring single "Collide" from her Waves album Wednesday (Jan. 10) The song's bare chords and Platten's ethereal voice blended with the baroque style scenery, with a procession of bright strings and a booming kick drum following suit. Dripped in a sea of vibrant flowers and an ambient pulse of light, the New York native seemed to be floating in a wave of emotion: "Come in crashing to me, because I want us to collide," she preached. Platten called her latest effort Waves a no-filter album, saying it showed all of her sides. "I'm so proud of this (album)," Platten told Billboard in a recent visit to our Pop Shop Podcast. "I've never been prouder of anything I've made. I love these songs." (Billboard)
Dolly Parton removes 'Dixie' from Stampede dinner show. Country singer Dolly Parton has discarded "Dixie" from the name of a popular dinner show. From now on, the attraction will simply be known as Dolly Parton's Stampede. Parton said in a statement that the name change was spurred by changing attitudes and "will remove any confusion or concerns about our shows" as the company that operates the attraction expands into new markets. World Choice Investments LLC currently operates the Stampede dinner show for Parton in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri. World Choice spokesman Pete Owens said Parton is referring shifting attitudes about the word "Dixie" and its connotations. "It has added to confusion in discussions about the expansion of our dinner theaters to new locations across the country and around the world," he said in a statement. "Some of our guest comments and comments of developers, in markets around the country with whom we spoke, show a misconception of what our show is. They do not realize The Stampede is a very patriotic, spectacular, horse show with 32 beautiful horses as the stars." (PageSix)
Movies
Marvel Developing Black Widow Solo Film for Scarlett Johansson. Persistence pays off. Scarlett Johansson has been pitching a Black Widow standalone film for years, and on Wednesday, multiple outlets said screenwriter Jac Schaeffer has been hired to pen a script for the project. Nothing is set in stone, as the Marvel Studios movie is still in early development. Schaeffer wrote the script for Nasty Woman, a Dirty Rotten Scoundrels remake starring Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson. She previously wrote and directed the romantic sci-fi film TiMER. Johansson first appeared onscreen as Natasha Romanoff (a.k.a. Black Widow) in 2010's Iron Man 2, opposite Robert Downey Jr. The actress has reprised her role in four follow-up films, and she had an un-credited cameo in 2017's Thor: Ragnarok. Her character will return in Avengers: Infinity War (out May 4) and in another untitled Avengers film, debuting May 3, 2019. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has long said he wants to make a stand-alone movie centered on the character. Johansson is on board with the idea, and she told Variety in 2016 that she pitched it to the studio often. "It would have to fit in the idea of where they want to go," she explained. "I'm invested in that character. Marvel is greatly invested in that character." For Johansson to return, she said, "I would like for it to happen under the right circumstances." Regarding the plot possibilities, Johansson said, "I think there's a lot of opportunity to mine that story line. She's got a really rich origins story. There's a lot of places you can go -- you can bring it back to Russia. You could explore the Widow program. There's all kinds of stuff that you could do with it. You could really uncover the identity of who this person is, where she comes from and where she's part of." A prequel is a "possibility," she added. "There's plenty of back-story." But a standalone doesn't have to be about Black Widow before she was Black Widow. "Where do the Avengers go? They are underground. What happens then? What happens after it all falls apart? There are so many ways you can go. I think it would just have to be very much like its own specific thing," the actress mused to Variety. "It would have to have its own specific vibe." Meanwhile, Marvel will release its first female-led movie, Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, in 2019. (Eonline)
Venom Movie Teases First Look at Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock. Feast your eyes on Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock in Venom. Fans who attended Brazil Comic-Con in So Paulo Thursday were given the first look at the actor in character as the Marvel supervillain. Director Ruben Fleischer appeared via satellite from the "San Francisco" set in Atlanta, where he shared few details about the upcoming Columbia Pictures movie. "Up until this point, we've had a closed set -- no visitors, no press," he teased. "Nobody's been here. So, you guys are the first people in the world to visit our stages." "We want to be as true as possible to the comics with our film, but our story is primarily based on The Lethal Protector and the Planet of the Symbiote books," Fleischer told fans. As they screamed with excitement, he said, "I can promise you badass action, Venom's dark humor and I can also promise you an absolutely stunning performance by Tom Hardy. This is Venom's movie; we never know where he's going to show up. We're creating the next link in the chain." As he was speaking, Hardy popped into the frame to say hello and promote the film. "Wow, that is a lot of people! Wow! Hey, I'm sorry I can't be there with you. We were going to surprise you by flying in," he told fans. "We were going to take a flight; it's like nine and half hours overnight, and then we were going to jump back and go back to set, but the snow kept us on the ground. So, I'm really sorry that we can't be there with you now. But wow, we wanted to come to So Paulo. We wanted to come to Brazil. I've never been. I'm a huge fan. I give you my word of honor that I'm going to do anything I can to deliver the best Venom that I possibly can muster, because I know how important he is to you, and I know how important he is to the Marvel universe, and I know how important this is for all of us here. That's what we're doing." Venom, also starring Michelle Williams as Ann Weying, is slated for an Oct. 5 release. (Eonline)
Michelle Williams was not betrayed by anyone when she agreed to do reshoots for free when her male counterpart raked in $1.5 million ... so claim sources connected to her own agent. As we reported, when producers asked Michelle to do reshoots for "All the Money in the World," she quickly agreed to work for nothing. Mark Wahlberg, on the other hand, demanded $1.5 mil and, as one source put it, "He had producers over a barrel," and he got what he was after. Mark and Michelle are represented by the same agency -- William Morris Endeavor -- and there's been criticism that WME should have given Michelle a heads-up that Mark was getting paid, and paid a lot. Sources at WME tell TMZ, Michelle's contract required her to do reshoots as part of her overall salary, whereas Mark's deal did not include reshoots. One WME source put it this way ... Mark's agents at WME did not communicate with Michelle's agent to let him know what Mark was getting paid, adding, "That type of communication doesn't really happen between agents at WME." The WME sources say the agents advocate for their individual clients and have a duty of confidentiality not to disclose to one actor what another is getting paid. (TMZ)
Rumer Willis isn't exactly giving Mark Wahlberg a pass in the wage gap battle, but she thinks everyone's missing the point by making this about his payday. Rumer and a friend were shopping Rodeo in Bev Hills Wednesday when she weighed in on the issue that has Hollywood and America pissed off ... Mark getting $1.5 million, compared to Michelle Williams getting less than $1,000 for "All the Money in the World" reshoots. It's worth noting ... Rumer's mom, Demi Moore, was one of the first women to earn an 8-figure paycheck for a single movie, so ya gotta think she's been schooled on wage disparity in Hollywood. Her take? Back off Wahlberg ... attack the system! (TMZ)
Greta Gerwig's best director award smashed to pieces. Greta Gerwig is going to need a stronger grip when she accepts awards this season. Spies told Page Six that she dropped her trophy after accepting the best director award from the National Board of Review on Tuesday night -- and it shattered. "Stephen Colbert presented her with the award," a spy related. When they headed backstage, "she was so excited and nervous that the award slipped out of her hands and shattered into pieces onto Cipriani's marble floor. She kept saying, 'I can't believe I just did that!'" But the "Lady Bird" writer-director wasn't the only butterfingered winner at the awards. Minutes later, "The Post" producer and former Sony studio boss Amy Pascal broke her best picture award. "Both ladies felt much less klutzy after that," said a witness. They even posed for a picture together with Pascal holding her cracked glass plaque. Luckily, Oscars are sturdier. (PageSix)
Sarah Jessica Parker Jokes Who Should 'Play Samantha' Now in 'Sex and the City 3. Stephen Colbert promised that he wouldn't ask Sarah Jessica Parker about a possible Sex and the City 3 -- but luckily for fans, it didn't turn out that way. "What part would I play?" Colbert, 53, asked during The Late Show on Wednesday, January 10. "Well, there's an opening!" Parker, 52, exclaimed. Colbert replied: "Oh, really? Who do I have to act like? What would my character be like?" Parker teased: "Well, according to just very recent documentation about why we're not making it is because the part usually played by Kim Cattrall has been vacated. So, that's what I mean. Perhaps you'd want to play Samantha?" Colbert was clearly amused by the potential new gig. "I'm kind of slutty, a little fun," he said. Parker's comments come three months after Cattrall, 61, confirmed that she would not be reprising her role from the HBO franchise. Parker said she was disappointed that a third movie -- which already had a script -- would not be seeing the light of day, causing rumors to fly that it was because of Cattrall. "I never asked for any money," Cattrall would later tell Piers Morgan amid the controversy. "I never asked for any projects. To be thought of as some kind of diva is absolutely ridiculous." She also called out the Divorce actress for not being "nicer" when speaking about her in the press. "We've never been friends," she said. "We've been colleagues and in some way, it's a very healthy place to be." Days before The Late Show, Parker nixed another movie once and for all while attending the Golden Globes. "I mean, not as far as I can imagine," she told Entertainment Tonight. "I struggle with it because it's a bit sad, but I think one must keep these things in perspective." Sex and the City ran for six seasons on HBO from 1998 to 2004 and also starred Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon. (US Weekly)
Ben Wheatley Reveals He's Shooting New Film. The working title of 'Colin You Anus' is unlikely to be the final name. Or is it? Ben Wheatley, the hot Brit director behind recent A24 release Free Fire, plus High-Rise, Sightseers and Kill List, has revealed that he has started shooting a new project. Via his Instagram account, Wheatley announced that he was in production on his first film of 2018, one that comes with the working title of Colin You Anus. He later stated that it was just an 11-day shoot. The Hollywood Reporter understands that whatever Colin You Anus is, it isn't Freakshift, his upcoming sci-fi thriller that has already cast Alicia Vikander, Armie Hammer and Sasha Lane. Work on the film -- written by Wheatley and his partner Amy Jump and telling the story of squads of lawbreakers and misfits who go on the hunt for lethal nocturnal monsters -- appears to have simmered since Lane was announced in Cannes last year. Wheatley's last feature, Free Fire, an explosive hard-boiled action-comedy set in a warehouse and starring Hammer, Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Sharlto Copley, Babou Ceesay and Jack Reynor, closed the London Film Festival in 2016 after premiering in Toronto. (Hollywood Reporter)
Box Office Preview: 'Jumanji' Rules As 'The Post' Courts a Wider Audience. Three new national releases -- 'Paddington 2,' 'Proud Mary' and 'The Commuter' -- also will enter the crowded marketplace. While Steven Spielberg's The Post expands into theaters across America this weekend, and three new films also are entering wide release, Sony's Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle, which is entering its fourth weekend, is expected to easily outdistance the new challengers as it claims the top spot at the domestic box office during the course of the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. Jumanji, a PG-13-rated comedy/adventure starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, demonstrated real staying power last weekend as it took in $37.2 million, and so conceivably could attract as much as another $30 million over the coming four-day weekend. It's already crossed the $250 million mark domestically. The Post, which is being released by Fox, will be aiming for adult audiences interested in its politically-relevant account, written by Liz Hannah and Spotlight screenwriter Josh Singer, of how Washington Post publisher, Katharine Graham, played by Meryl Streep, and editor Ben Bradlee, portrayed by Tom Hanks, joined forces to defy the government and publish the Pentagon Papers. Playing in just a handful of theaters, the $50 million film, which opened Dec. 22, has grossed $4.2 million per date. This weekend, the production, from Amblin Entertainment and Participant Media, moves into 2,820 theaters, and could take in about $18 million to $20 million. It will be rubbing elbows, though, with a trio of new films, all jostling each other for attention. Warners, which bought North American distribution rights from the beleaguered Weinstein Co. and producer StudioCanal, will be bowing Paddington 2, the animated/live-action continuation of the adventures of a plucky Peruvian bear, voiced by Ben Wishaw. Paul King, who directed the PG-rated sequel, from a screenplay he wrote with Simon Farnaby, also directed the 2014 original, which bowed to $25.5 million when it debuted over Martin Luther King weekend in 2015. David Heyman, who produced the Harry Potter movies for the studio, served as producer on the whimsical British film. The new Paddington, which has already opened in Great Britain, has collected $125.2 million aboard. And it could be looking at a $20 million bow in the states, although studio estimates peg it at a few million dollars lower. Meanwhile, Sony will introduce Proud Mary, in which a gun-toting Taraji P. Henson plays a hit woman in Boston, whose life changes when she meets a young boy. Babak Najafi (London Has Fallen) directed the R-rated action pic, opening in about 2100 locations. Its screenplay is by John Stuart Newman, Christian Swegal and Steven Antin from a story Newman and Swegal. And it was produced by Paul Schiff, Tai Duncan. Executive producers are Glenn S. Gainor and Henson. While the studio is eying a low to mid-teen million-dollar debut, Proud Mary also could climb to top the $20 million mark. Finally, Lionsgate will launch The Commuter in around 2800 locations, including select IMAX theaters. The latest action movie starring Liam Neeson, this time finds Neeson playing a businessman who find himself caught up in a frenzied criminal conspiracy when he meets a stranger, played by Vera Farmiga, on a train. Jaume Collet-Sera (The Shallows) directed the PG-13-rated actioner, written by Byron Willinger, Philip de Blasi and Ryan Engle from a story by Willinger and de Blasi and produced by Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona for StudioCanal. The first entry in a new, long-term partnership between Lionsgate and StudioCanal, it is projected to open in the low-to-mid-teen million range. (Hollywood Reporter)
TV
John Cena to Host Nickelodeon's 2018 Kids' Choice Awards. Ready to get slimed again, John Cena? The wrestler will host the Nickelodeon's 2018 Kids' Choice Awards, the network announced Thursday, after hosting the annual event for the first time last year. "It's an awesome show!" Cena, who next stars in the comedy Blockers, tells E! News. "It is like the thrill of being in a WWE show, which is the thing I enjoy the absolute most, and Kids' Choice Awards is that thrill and that experience. Nickelodeon's production value is amazing. Every show is just outstanding and what they do for the kids in the audience and the kids at home is spectacular. The show is for the kids and so designed for the audience absolutely and it's so fun. You get to be a big kid." This year's show will air live from The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on March 24, at 8:00 p.m. ET. Nickelodeon will broadcast the annual event in more than 170 countries and territories, and additional news -- including categories and presenters -- will be announced in the coming weeks. Rest assured, Cena is already devising inventive ways to make this year's show the best in its 29-year history. "I compare the Kids' Choice Awards to Wrestle Mania in a WWE environment, where Wrestle Mania is the biggest show of the year for WWE. Every year it's enormous and they go, 'Well, what are we going to do next year?' And somehow they outdo themselves every year. Kids' Choice is no different, and they knock it out of the park every year," the Ferdinand star said. "We're in the process of coming up with how we are going to do that again this year." (Eonline)
Kristen Bell Reveals What She's Learned From Working With Ted Danson on The Good Place. The Good Place, one of the best shows on television week in and week out, features an ensemble cast doing some of the best work of their careers -- and that cast includes Kristen Bell and Ted Danson. When E! News spoke with Bell for a larger story on her career, from her start with Veronica Mars to The Good Place, the topic of Danson, whom Bell refers to as "my Teddy bear," naturally came up. After all, Danson, a TV legend thanks to Cheers, Damages, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bored to Death, Fargo, CSI, Becker... need we go on? Danson is a TV veteran who inspires, Bell said. "What have I learned from my Teddy bear? I learned you never really have to grow up. That you can stay as excited about this career when you're 70 years old... I've always felt that since everyone wants to be in this business -- it's incredibly competitive -- and I'm so lucky to be here, I have a responsibility to be happy," Bell said, noting that of course there are the times when actors are exhausted. "But for the most part, you should be excited to have this job every day, otherwise you don't really deserve it, in my opinion, in my humble, tough love opinion that I apply to myself. And Ted is such a shining example of that, he loves what he does, and I mean that not just from a craft perspective, whereas he will put the work in to figuring out the funniest way to have a mental breakdown on camera, but I also mean that in his demeanor on set. "He's incredibly excited to be at work all day. He is a big kid, and that's a really important life lesson, I think, more than just because he's a comedy god, his real-life personality is so joyful. It reminds me to be happy about what I'm doing because we're so incredibly lucky," she continued. On The Good Place, Bell plays Eleanor, a dead woman who -- SPOILER ALERT -- originally believed she was in heaven, known as the Good Place, as a mistake. She would later discover Danson's Michael, an otherworldly being in the afterlife, was really her torturer -- she and her counterparts played by Jameela Jamil, William Jackson Harper and Manny Jacinto, were really in hell. Now Eleanor, who was being taught how to be a good person by Harper's character Chidi, is helping Michael learn what it's like to be human. The bond extends off screen as well. "The other day, less than a week ago, I get a voicemail -- Who leaves voicemails anymore? No one -- just Ted saying, 'Hey, baby doll. Just thinking about you and the girls and Dax, hoping you guys are well. That's all.' That was it! He just has this sort of old world charm that is infectious," Bell said in an interview in December. "He's not needy at all, he's just happy. There's something very, very special about that. He's a little bit magic. And then I guess from an actor's perspective, he's incredibly easy to talk to as a person, which makes him easy to talk to as an actor. He looks in your eyes...he's incredibly present, which is kind of acting 101, but for some reason not everyone does it. "You have in your head what you think your character should be doing and sometimes you come and actually pretend. Ted doesn't really pretend, he just is. He just bes... if that word makes any sense," she said with a laugh. The Good Place season two airs Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. on NBC. The network has already ordered a third season. (Eonline)
Gillian Anderson confirms she's leaving The X-Files. It has not been a good week for Gillian Anderson fans. The actress' iconic character Dana Scully was served an unpleasant plot twist in the Jan. 3 episode of The X-Files, and the actress confirmed on Wednesday at the Television Critics' Association winter press tour that she won't return for any future X-Files seasons. "It's time for me to hang up Scully's hat. It just is," she told reporters Wednesday, per The Hollywood Reporter. "I'm finished and that's the end of that. I arrived at the decision before we did the previous six, but I was really curious. I felt that the previous six was going to be it. It was dipping our toe back in again ... and getting to play these wonderful characters again. I think as [series creator] Chris [Carter] has said himself that short stack of episodes felt like we were leaning how to walk again and that this season of 10 feels like the pace is up and we're running." "I wouldn't necessarily have been happy if those six were how we said goodbye," she added. "There's lots of things that I want to do in my life and in my career and it's been an extraordinary opportunity and extraordinary character and I am hugely grateful." At the same panel, Anderson also confirmed she won't be returning as the goddess Media in Starz's American Gods." "I'm not doing any more American Gods. Bryan and Michael Green aren't either, as has been announced," she said. As the embodiment of Media, Anderson's character shape-shifted between icons of American pop culture. In one episode she appeared as Lucille Ball in full black-and-white I Love Lucy regalia; in another, she played Aladdin Sane-era David Bowie. Media was one of the "new gods" who opposed the league of old ancient gods assembled by Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane). But following the departure of American Gods showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green, Anderson didn't seem interested in continuing that struggle. The L.A. Times first reported her possible departure. She's not the only one. Kristin Chenoweth, who played the goddess Easter, has also suggested she may not return without Fuller. Replacements for the departed producers have not been announced yet. It's unclear whether David Duchovny, who plays Anderson's partner Fox Mulder, will continue on The X-Files without Anderson, and Duchovny told reporters he would be "good either way." (Entertainment Weekly)
Jennifer Lopez Is Returning to Will & Grace -- in 2 Different Roles. Get ready for a double dose of JLo, Will & Grace fans! The icon will be making her grand return to the NBC comedy in an upcoming episode of the successful revival, following up on her hilarious guest appearances in seasons six and seven. But this time around, she'll be playing not one, but two different roles. E! News has confirmed that not only will Jennifer Lopez appear again as herself, but she'll be pulling double-duty as her Shades of Blue character, NYPD detective Harlee Santos, as well. How will that work? We have no idea, but we can't wait to see the sure-to-be hysterical way Will & Grace co-creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan bring the street-wise cop into their decidedly lighter world. As fans of Will & Grace surely recall, Lopez made her first appearance in the show's sixth season finale, as well as the season seven premiere, where it was revealed that she grew up in the Bronx with Karen's (Megan Mullally) now-dearly departed maid Rosario (Shelley Morrison). She eventually performed her hit "Waiting for Tonight" at Karen's wedding to Lyle Finster (John Cleese), with Jack (Sean Hayes) filling in as her back-up dancers, naturally. How will "Jennifer Lopez" take to hearing the news that her buddy from the block, Rosario, has passed away? You'll have to tune in to find out. Lopez joins an impressive roster of returning guests stars that includes Harry Connick Jr., Minnie Driver, Michael Arangano, Leslie Jordan and a still-to-come Bobby Cannavale. Vanity Fair was first to report the news. Will & Grace airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on NBC, while Shades of Blue returns for season three later this year. (Eonline)
John Cena to Voice 'Ninja Turtles' Character, Produce Competition Series for Nickelodeon. The actor and WWE superstar also will return as host of the Kids' Choice Awards, airing live March 24. John Cena is expanding his relationship with Nickelodeon in a big way. The actor and WWE superstar has signed on for three projects at the kids' channel, including voicing a role in the new 2D animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He'll play an original villain named Baron Draxum, an alchemist warrior mutant who seeks to turn all of humanity into mutants. Cena's recurring character will appear in the premiere episode and throughout the series, which follows the band of brothers as they encounter new mutants and villains and discover a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to premiere later this year. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is co-executive produced by Andy Suriano and Ant Ward at Nickelodeon in Burbank. Veteran voice actor Rob Paulsen is voice directing the series. In addition, Cena is executive producing a new competition series, Keep It Spotless, in which teams of kids take part in physical and paint-filled challenges designed with one goal in mind -- to stay as clean as possible. After each game, a 360-degree scanner will measure each teams' mess to determine just how spotless they really are. The winning team will face the Gauntlet, a multiple-challenge obstacle course, where they can win cash. Keep It Spotless, produced by ITV Entertainment and Hard Nocks and based on a U.K. format from Possessed, is scheduled to premiere later this year. Along with Cena, David Eilenberg, David George, Jason Carey and Shye Sutherland are executive producers. Cena also is returning as host of the Kids' Choice Awards for a second consecutive year. The awards show, which honors young viewers' favorite movies, TV series, music and more, will air live on March 24, from 8-9:30 p.m. (ET/PT), returning to the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. It will air worldwide on Nickelodeon channels in more than 170 countries and territories. Additional KCA news, including categories and presenters, is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The show is produced by Nickelodeon Productions, with Elizabeth Kelly, Michael Dempsey, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard and Jay Schmalholz serving as executive producers. "I'm thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon on three big projects that run the range of what kids love: slime-filled live events, awesomely cool animation and competition shows where kids take their shot at being the best," Cena told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement "It's an honor to come back a second time to host the biggest, slimiest party of the year, the Kids' Choice Awards. Not only do I get to be a cartoon character in the new Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, but I get to be a villian, too. And to top it all off, I'm stepping behind the camera to executive produce Nick's new competition series Keep It Spotless, which gives a whole new meaning to staying clean." (Hollywood Reporter)
Josh Duhamel Talks Co-Parenting With Fergie: It's a ''Juggling Act.'' Josh Duhamel is taking on the tricky task of co-parenting in stride. Four months have passed since the actor and Fergie announced the end of their eight-year marriage, and in a new interview with E! News, Duhamel says he is a "great relationship" with the mother of their 4-year-old son. "It's going really well," he tells us at NBCUniversal's TCA presentation. "We have a great relationship. We really do. She's a great mother." Shortly before going public with their split, Fergie and Josh were all smiles as they celebrated Axl's birthday. Now that they're no longer together, the Unsolved star explains their priorities as mom and dad haven't changed. "All we want is the best for our son, so it's a bit of a juggling act but we're both grownups who can handle a lot," Duhamel shares. "And he's happy. That's the main thing." Fergie has echoed a similar sentiment in post-breakup interviews, telling Wendy Williams that she'll always "love" Josh and their family dynamic hasn't changed all that much. She said on the daytime talk show, "We forever have that project together and we're doing the best we can... We're with him all the time, we're just not with him together all the time. We try to do a once a week thing where we're all three together." In a joint statement issued last September the exes announced, "With absolute love and respect we decided to separate as a couple earlier this year. To give our family the best opportunity to adjust, we wanted to keep this a private matter before sharing it with the public. We are and will always be united in our support of each other and our family." (Eonline)
David Foster Is Not Planning on Marrying Katherine McPhee. While David Foster and Katherine McPhee are enjoying their May/December relationship right now, don't expect wedding bells in the near future. A source tells E! News that the musical duo, who just can't keep their hands off each other, isn't talking about marriage anytime soon, but they are "enjoying the bond that they share right now." The insider also says that, "Their relationship is very healthy and in a good place." Despite already walking down the aisle four times, the source says that, "David has not shown any interest in getting married again. He hasn't discounted how he feels about Katherine but there are no plans for them to even get engaged anytime soon." The source also made it clear that Katherine wasn't pushing to get married, in fact the couple is "content" where they are. Luckily everyone seems to have a good sense of humor about the marrying man, who split from his fourth wife Yolanda Hadid in December 2015. "David's daughters joke that their father would indeed require a strict prenup for his fifth marriage," said the insider. David has eight children, five of which are daughters. The source also admitted, "No one sees him walking down the aisle again and it has not been a discussion." Katherine, who was previously married to Nick Cokas from 2008-2016, was first romantically linked to David in May 2017, but the two have known each other over a decade. An E! News source recently described their relationship as "more serious" than ever. The source explained at the time, "Katharine has always had a crush on David, and she's happy that their relationship is transpiring." "David is usually a playboy but Katharine has made him change his ways, and he is really comfortable with her," our insider also shared. In the December 2017 issue of Health, Kat said they were just "good friends." She added, "I'm really, really fond of him, and I think he's an incredible person. I've known him since I was 21-years-old, you know? He produced my first single. So he's been really good to me. People can say whatever they want." Earlier this week, Hadid recently came out to say that she was in love. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star stopped by the Wendy Williams Show on Tuesday and confirmed she's off the market and dating a businessman who she couldn't help but gush over. "I'm very much in love," said the not-so single star. The former model said she wanted to feel ready to date again following her divorce. "I have been single for two and a half years," she explained. "I needed to take that time for me to heal and to step into my own power as a single woman. It was great. But I just met an amazing man." (Eonline)
The Reason People Are Calling Kelly Clarkson a 'Lazy' and 'Ignorant' Mom. Kelly Clarkson is facing backlash on social media after revealing she spanks her 3-year-old daughter River. "I don't mean hitting her hard," the three-time Grammy winner said in a recent radio interview with 98.9 The Buzz in Rochester, New York. "I mean just a spanking." Clarkson, 35, explained that her parents used physical punishment when she was growing up in Texas. "I'm from the South, 'y'all, so we get spankings," she said. "My mom would call the principal if I ever ended up in the principal's office and give permission for her to spank me . . . I'm a well-rounded individual with a lot of character, so I think it's fine." The singer, who also shares son Remy, 21 months, with her husband, Brandon Blackstock, added that she warns River before a spanking. "I'm like, 'Hi, I'm going to spank you on the bottom if you don't stop right now, this is ridiculous,' and honestly it's really helped. She doesn't do that kind of stuff as often." But many people don't agree with Clarkson's methods and they made that clear on Facebook. "Wish she would do some research making public ignorant comments. Spanking teaches violence," wrote one person. Added another: "I never spanked my kids. I think it's lazy parenting." A third echoed the sentiment calling it "a bulls- lazy way to parent." Meanwhile, others applauded Clarkson for her choice. As one mom wrote: "Good for her! Glad there are still parents out there that set limits for their kids and give consequences when needed. There is a difference between abuse and punishing out of love not anger. Spanking in a controlled manner and with loving correction can be a very good thing." The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that caretakers "do not spank or use physical punishments" when disciplining children as "that only teaches aggressive behavior, and it becomes ineffective if used often." Instead the APP suggests, disciplining young children with time outs and older children by "temporarily removing favorite privileges." (MSN)
Eric Clapton Reveals He Has Tinnitus. Eric Clapton revealed Tuesday (Jan. 9) that he is losing his hearing and was diagnosed with tinnitus. Tinnitus is "the perception of noise or ringing in the ears," according to Mayo Clinic. It is often a symptom of a more severe condition, such as hearing loss or an ear injury. "I am still going to work. I'm doing a few gigs," the 72-year old guitarist said in an interview with Steve Wright on BBC Radio 2 while discussing his documentary, Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars. "I'm concerned with now is being in my 70s and being able to be proficient. I mean, I'm going deaf, I've got tinnitus, my hands just about work. I mean, I am hoping that people will come along and see me for more than that [because] I am a curiosity. I know that is part of it, because it's amazing to myself that I am still here." Clapton also suffers with peripheral neuropathy, which causes weakness and pain in hands and feet, making it difficult to play guitar. The legend, however, still has some concerts lined up in New York and Los Angeles in March 2018. Fans can catch Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars February 10 on Showtime. (Billboard)
Rick Springfield Reveals He Is Still Struggling with Depression and Recently Considered Suicide. Rick Springfield revealed he considered suicide as recently as last year. The "Jessie's Girl" singer, 68, opened up about his lifelong battle with depression in a new interview on SiriusXM's Feedback, airing Thursday, and shared that he struggled with thoughts of suicide. "Last year I was close to it, really close to it," Springfield told host Lori Majewski about nearly ending his life. "'Suicide Manifesto' is stuff I think about. I've been close to it," he said about his forthcoming song from his new album, The Snake King. "When Robin Williams and Chester [Bennington and Chris Cornell] and those guys ... I didn't go, 'Oh that's terrible.' I went, 'I get it.' I get being that lost and dark." Adding, "You're in so much pain that you just want it to end. I have been there, and I know what it's like and I understand. It's just part of your makeup." This isn't the first time Springfield has discussed his suicide attempts. In his 2011 autobiography, Late, Late at Night, he opened up about the depression, which he calls The Darkness or "Mr. D," he first suffered when he was 17, when he tried to commit suicide. Luckily, the rope he used for a noose snapped. "I tried. I don't know how I survived it, but I survived the hanging," Springfield told Majewski recalling the incident that happened nearly five decades ago. "When I had kids I said, 'Okay that takes suicide off the table, that's not an option anymore, I don't care how bad I feel.' But now my kids are grown. It's really weird ... it would devastate them," he said. "I don't know how I could ever come to terms with that. But it rides on my shoulder every day." Springfield says he is taking steps to stay well. "I've taken Prozac and all that kind of stuff and I meditate. Mediation is the only thing that takes me out of it. If I truly meditate and focus and get to that place, I'm not depressed. No matter what's going on. But it's pretty hard," he shared. "I'm alive and well. Anyone says, 'How you doing?' I never go, 'Great.' Because it's bulls -- . I go, 'I'm okay -- I'm there.' Sometimes I'll go, 'F -- ing horrible, I've had a terrible day.'" Springfield said of talking to other people about his emotions. "We've all had the social front and it just makes me feel like such a liar when I go home and I look in the mirror and I go, 'Really, you said that to somebody? That everything's great and you're feeling awesome? That's bulls -- ,'" he continued. Adding, "I'm at the point now in my life where I want to do what's truthful." The complete interview with Rick Springfield aired on Thursday, Jan. 11, on "Feedback" on SiriusXM's Volume channel 106. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). (People)
James Franco Further Addresses Sexual Misconduct Claims on Late Night. James Franco doesn't seem too concerned about his reputation. On the heels of his recent Golden Globe win, multiple women have, via Twitter, accused him of sexual misconduct. Franco shared his side of the story with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show Tuesday, and he further addressed the allegations in an interview with Seth Meyers on Late Night Wednesday. "I was sent a couple of the tweets. So yeah, I did read them. I haven't responded," the Disaster Artist actor said. "The ones I read were not accurate, but one of the things that I've learned is that this is a conversation that obviously needs to be had. There are people, women and others, who have not been a part of this conversation. I truly believe, and why I was wearing the pin, is that they need to be a part of this conversation. I support them." Meyers referenced tweets from Ally Sheedy, who appeared four years ago in Franco's The Long Shrift, his off-Broadway directorial debut. After Franco won the Golden Globe, Sheedy wrote, "Please never ask me why I left the film/TV business." Sheedy later deleted her tweets, without explanation, and Franco said he didn't understand her motives. "I had a great relationship with her. She took the tweet down. I don't know. I really don't," he said, adding that he hadn't reached out to her. When Meyers asked if he was "curious" about Sheedy's tweets, Franco responded, "I don't know. It was so shocking. I don't know. I just...I guess I'm just letting it be." Meyers then asked Franco if he'd taken a moment to "look back and question" his past behavior, given how many men in his industry have been accused of sexual misconduct in recent months. "I think what I really learned, and being here this week, and that show that we were [at] -- it was so powerful in there. Like I said, there are stories that need to get out. There are people that need to be heard. I have my own side of this story, but I believe in these people that have been underrepresented getting their stories out enough that I will hold back things that I could say just because I believe in that much," he said. "If I have to take a knock because I'm not going to try and actively refute things, then I will, because I believe in it that much." (Eonline)
HBO has received 'no complaints' about James Franco. Ever since he won a Golden Globe for "The Disaster Artist" on Sunday, James Franco has been a target of sexual misconduct allegations on social media, which have led to the cancellation of his New York Times event. The backlash against the actor-director also has prompted a reaction from HBO, where Franco is star and executive producer of new porn industry drama "The Deuce," recently renewed for a second season. "We have verified that no complaints about Mr. Franco have come in on 'The Deuce' production," HBO said in a statement to Deadline. Franco addressed the allegations during his appearance on CBS' "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" Tuesday night. He told Colbert that he was aware of what Ally Sheedy had said. Shortly after his win, Sheedy sent out a vague tweet about Franco's behavior in the past. The two worked together on the 2014 off-Broadway production of "The Long Shrift." To this, Franco said, "I have no idea what I did to Ally Sheedy. I had nothing but a great time with her. I have total respect for her." He said that they had fun working together and he said he couldn't speak for her and reiterated that he did not know what he did. Other women followed Sheedy's tweet but were less vague. Violet Paley and Sarah Tither Kaplan tweeted out detailed accusations against Franco about inappropriate sexual behavior. In regard to these tweets, he said, "In my life, I pride myself in taking responsibility for things I've done. I have to do that to maintain my well-being. I do it whenever something needs to be changed." He said that things that were out on Twitter were "not accurate." He continued, "I completely support people coming out and being able to have a voice because they haven't had a voice for so long. I don't want to shut them down in any way. It's a good thing I support." Colbert then asked Franco if there is a way to have discussions about sexual harassment allegations outside of social media. The "Late Show" host then asked if there was a way to come to what the truth is and come to some reconciliation between people who clearly have different views of things. "If I have done something wrong, I will fix it -- I have to," said Franco. "That's how that works. I don't know what else to do." He then concluded by referring to the Time's Up movement during the Globes, "The point is to listen. I am here to listen and learn and change perspective where it's off. I'm completely willing and want to." (PageSix)
Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and his estranged wife, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, have agreed on an eight-figure divorce settlement, sources told The Post. The former couple inked the deal, which is estimated to be worth between $15 million and $20 million, at the end of last year, a source said. Paperwork will be filed in court in the coming days, the sources said. The settlement came just as their marriage was approaching the 10-year mark. Their prenuptial agreement says Weinstein must pay Chapman $300,000 in spousal support for each year of the marriage. After a decade, that figure jumps to $400,000. Chapman will also get a slice of their marital assets and other payments, sources said. Their holdings include a $15 million West Village townhouse and a $12 million Hamptons beach house. The painstaking settlement nearly collapsed, which would have required the parties to bring a public divorce case, sources said. The "Shakespeare in Love" producer was once worth an estimated $240 million, but he's been spending millions of dollars on lawyers, private investigators and publicists since over 100 women came forward accusing him of sexual abuse and rape. Chapman, 41, announced she was leaving Weinstein, 65, in October. They have two kids, ages 7 and 4. She will get primary custody, sources said. Weinstein's spokeswoman did not immediately comment. Chapman's attorneys, Dan Rottenstreich and Bernard Clair, declined to comment. (Page Six)
Logan Paul's YouTube Channel Removed From Google Preferred After "Suicide Forest" Video. YouTube has made the decision to remove Logan Paul's channels from Google Preferred, which forms YouTube's top content into packages for advertisers. Deadline reports that YouTube made the decision on Wednesday, while also announcing that Paul will not be in the next season of the YouTube Red series Foursome. YouTube has made these decisions a little over a week after Paul posted a controversial video of his time in "Suicide Forest," which appeared to show a dead body. The video has since been removed from YouTube and Paul has apologized both on Twitter and in a video, but the backlash against him continues. On Tuesday, YouTube posted an open letter on Twitter addressing Paul's video. "Many of you have been frustrated with our lack of communication recently," the statement began. "You're right to be. You deserve to know what's going on. Like many others, we were upset by the video that was shared last week." The message continued, "Suicide is not a joke, nor should it ever be a driving force for views. As Anna Akana put it perfectly: 'That body was a person someone loved. You do not walk into a suicide forest with a camera and claim mental health awareness.' We expect more of the creators who build their community on @YouTube, as we're sure you do too. The channel violated our community guidelines, we acted accordingly, and we are looking at further consequences." "It's taken us a long time to respond, but we've been listening to everything you've been saying. We know that the actions of one creator can affect the entire community, so we'll have more to share soon on steps we're taking to ensure a video like this is never circulated again." On Jan. 3, Paul took to Twitter to tell his social media followers that he's "taking time to reflect no vlog for now see you soon." (Eonline)
Motorhead guitarist Eddie Clarke is dead. Clarke, who went by "Fast Eddie," died peacefully after fighting pneumonia. He was the last of the OGs from the band. Motorhead frontman Lemmy (aka Ian Kilmister) and bandmate Phil Taylor died 2 years ago. The current drummer, Mikkey Dee was clearly shocked, posting, "I saw Eddie not too long ago and he was in great shape." The bank formed in '75 and they produced some monster songs, including "Motorhead" and "Ace of Spades." They also produced some super successful albums, including the band's first self-titled album as well as "Overkill and Bomber." As for Clarke, he left the group 1982 and formed the band Fastway. Clarke was 67. RIP. (TMZ)
THE OTHER STUFF . . .
Prince Harry Still Hasn't Asked Prince William to Be His Best Man. You better get on that, Harry! While plans for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding on May 19 are fully under way, it appears as if there's one area that's been overlooked -- the role of best man. In a surprising (and somewhat adorable) confession Prince William admitted that his younger brother hadn't actually asked him to be best man at his impending nuptials. The royal joked, "He hasn't asked me yet, just to clear that up -- it could be a sensitive issue." The question popped up during a group discussion for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a charity aimed at preventing male suicide through open discussion which has recently launched a "Best Man Project" celebrating men's friendship. In the discussion, the soon-to-be father-of-three said spoke candidly about the close relationship he has with Harry. "My brother and I's relationship is closer than it's been because of the situations we've been through," he said. "Losing our mother at a young age has helped us to travel through that difficult patch together. You're like-minded. You go through similar things, it's a bond and it's something you know you've tackled together and come out better for it." Of course, it's believed that William will be Harry's best man on his big day, as Harry was William's best man when he wed Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. This will be the first wedding for Harry and the second for Meghan, who was previously married to producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013. The royal and his American leading lady will tie the knot at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. (Eonline)
Fuller House's Juan Pablo Di Pace Joins Forces With PETA. Juan Pablo Di Pace is taking a stand with PETA. The Fuller House star is teaming up with the organization as he launches bit to extinguish circus cruelty. "My love for animals really comes from being a kid and discovering stray cats and dogs ... and bringing them in," begins Di Pace during the promotional video. "I have a special love for felines. I love small cats, big cats. ... To see what things are done to them in the circus is really upsetting ... they sleep in tiny cages. They're forced to do things they don't want to do. They beat them up," he says. "[W]hat we see in the circus is just a fraction of what these poor animals have to go through." The actor goes on to explain how uneasy and "unnerved" he is by seeing animals perform tricks and that he would never take his children to a circus that featured animals because it would be too upsetting for him. He says he'd much rather them go to a circus that features only talented human performers. "I wouldn't want them to think it's OK," he says. "Because it's not. ... [Y]ou can really go to the circus watching amazing performances by clowns or acrobats or dancers. ... [L]et's stop [going to animal circuses]." Di Pace now joins the list of stars like Penelope Cruz, Kate del Castillo, Eva Mendes, Wilmer Valderrama, George Lopez, and Edward James Olmos, who have all helped PETA promote kindness to animals. (Eonline)
Kendall Jenner Gets Candid About Her "Debilitating Anxiety." Kendall Jenner is one of the most photographed women in the world, but some days, she just wants to disappear. Cara Delevingne interviewed the supermodel for the February issue of Harper's Bazaar, on newsstands Jan. 23, where she spoke candidly about the downside of fame. "I feel like the life I live is extraordinary in a lot of ways but that it also comes with a lot of responsibilities," she said. "I've had to grow up pretty fast and deal with situations most 22-year-olds aren't really put into. There are days and weeks and months when you just don't stop." As a jet-setting star herself, Delevingne gets it, admitting the pressure can be "crushing." "It can!" the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star agreed. "And you know me and how OCD I can get over the littlest things. If something isn't going the way I planned, I freak out. Some days I just want to go live on a farm and not talk to anyone and just exist in the middle of nowhere." Lately, Jenner said she has been suffering from "debilitating anxiety." "I literally wake up in the middle of the night with full-on panic attacks. Where do I even start? Everything is so horrible; it's hard to name one thing. I just think that the world needs so much love. I wish I had the power to send Cupid around the planet, as cheesy as that sounds," the supermodel told Delevingne. "You go online and you see everyone saying the worst things to each other, and it's hard to stay positive. It's hard not to get eaten alive by all the negativity." For her own sanity, Jenner -- who has 86.2 million Instagram followers -- said she's "tried to stay off" the social media platform lately. "I definitely don't look at comments. I think Instagram is still a fun place for the most part. I like going on and seeing what people are up to, but I mostly follow stupid accounts with pictures of puppies and little baby animals and people saving animals," she said. "Forget about Twitter, which is so not fun these days. It just makes me sad." Jenner has been in the spotlight for over a decade, but she doesn't always see herself as a celebrity. "I had a pretty normal childhood, with a twist, and went to school until the 10th grade. For 11th and 12th, I did home school, but I still saw a lot of my old friends," she said. "I didn't go to prom, though, which was kind of annoying. I can't really complain except for now, maybe, I would like to go to Disneyland or a public beach. To go to a beach in peace would be lovely. To be able to hang out and meet new people and not be bothered would be awesome." Read the full interview with Jenner at Harper's Bazaar. (Eonline)
George and Amal Clooney Surprise Theater With Gifts After "Fantastic" Date Night. Date nights are never taken for granted with this famous couple. As George Clooney and Amal Clooney continue raising their six-month-old twins, the pair was recently able to enjoy an evening out -- away from the kids. According to an Instagram post made by actress Bethan Nash, the proud parents traveled to The Mill at Sonning in England to see a production of My Fair Lady. And while it may have been exciting to have the duo in the audience, the cast was surprised to receive a note and flowers from the parents as a thank you gift for such a special night. "Amal and I wanted to thank you for a fantastic night of theater," the letter stated. "We loved every minute of it. You were all so wonderful. My extended family loved it too. Thank you and have a great run." "This is better than fairy dust! A letter and flowers from George and Amal Clooney!" Bethan wrote on Instagram with pictures of the gifts. "Thank you!!!#georgeclooney #amalclooney #MyFairLady #showoftheweek #review @millatsonning @newmutinytheatreco #flowers #flowerstagram #fairydust #mademylife #actors #theatre #elizadolittle #thankful #thankyou." As fans know, this isn't the first time George and Amal have given strangers a thoughtful gift. Just last month, the pair gave out noise-canceling Casamigos headphones to passengers seated by them on a recent flight. The passengers were also given a note that read, "Our twins just discovered SQUAWKING!! Hope this helps make the flight a little quieter." Always thinking things through! (Eonline)
Teresa Giudice Defends Dinner With Divorce Lawyer. Teresa Giudice cleared up some rumors about her marriage Wednesday night. After the season finale of The Real Housewives of New Jersey aired on Bravo, Teresa and sister-in-law Melissa Gorga stopped by Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. At one point, Andy Cohen asked her why it took about "eight months" to see husband Joe Giudice in prison. "I don't know if it was eight months," the reality star corrected him. "My mom got sick, so I didn't see him the whole time my mom was sick, those three months. I remember the one day I was going to see him, that's when my dad got sick, and then I had to turn around and go back. Then there was a chicken pox breakout there, in the prison, so we weren't allowed to go see him -- that was like a whole month. Oh, and then they found contraband from other inmates!" Teresa said she obviously "missed" her husband, especially after their visit. "But, you know, I don't really enjoy going there," she said. "Even when I was [in prison], I was like, 'Don't come!'" "I'm sure he'll probably be [watching the interview]," Teresa added. "Hi, honey! Love you!" Later, Andy asked Teresa about her recent dinner with divorce attorney Loren La Forge-Kyriakoulis. "It was my friend!" she insisted. "It was my friend! And [Melissa] was there, too!" Melissa, who happened to run into Teresa that night, said her Instagram caption was "stupid," and Teresa said she "had help" writing it. "I was helping her, just in case. If anybody's getting divorced, she's a great divorce attorney to call. Get it? I was helping her. Yes! Capisce? Capisce." But, Andy countered, "You made it look like you were getting the advice." "Then I changed the caption because everybody's like, 'Oh, you're getting a divorce?'" Teresa said, annoyed by the speculation. "It's like, c'mon. It's, like, everybody always thinks the worst!" "Well, you're sitting at a thing with a divorce lawyer and you say, 'I'm getting great advice!'" Andy said. Teresa corrected him again, saying, "With my friend, getting good advice. What's the matter with two women sitting together and shooting the breeze, talking about growing up...?" (Eonline)
Diet Coke Is Getting a Makeover With 4 New Fruit-Flavored Sodas. Prepare for a whole new Diet Coke experience! Beverage giant Coca-Cola announced this week that it's rolling out new packaging, ad campaigns and new flavors for its beloved Diet Coke property. While the classic Diet Coke will remain unchanged, four new flavors will be introduced this month including Ginger Lime, Feisty Cherry, Zesty Blood Orange and Twisted Mango. "After speaking to more than 10,000 people and spending years exploring all kinds of combinations like tropical, citrus and even botanical notes, we found magic," Coca Cola said in a press release. "Trust us when we say, you haven't tasted anything like this before." "Whether you're a longtime fan, or just the type who's down to try new things, give Diet Coke a taste and you'll see what we're talking about." Diet Coke and the new flavors will be packaged in sleek 12-oz. cans and sold as on-the-go singles and in eight-packs. Diet Coke will also continue to be offered in all existing package sizes. The fresh cans that match the shape and size of DASANI Sparkling were made to give Diet Coke a more "contemporary feel." And for those who don't like change, it could have a lot to do with millennials' desires to switch things up. "Millennials are now thirstier than ever for adventures and new experiences, and we want to be right by their side," Coca Cola's group director Rafael Acevedo said in a statement. "We're contemporizing the Diet Coke brand and portfolio with sleek packaging and new flavors that are appealing to new audiences." Be right back! We're heading to the grocery store to taste test these flavors. (Eonline)
Music
Taylor Swift Releases "End Game" Music Video Trailer. Taylor Swift gave fans a sneak peek of her new music video for "End Game" on Thursday by debuting a teaser on Good Morning America. The action-packed, 20-second clip showed Swift rocking out on a yacht, taking in a fireworks show, riding motorcycles and hanging out with Ed Sheeran and Future, who are also featured on the track. It looks like Swift travelled around the world to make this video extra special for her fans. According to ABC News, the video was shot in Miami, Tokyo and London. The song is featured on Swift's sixth studio album Reputation. The Grammy-winning artist released the album in November after dropping a series of singles, including "Look What You Made Me Do," "...Ready for It?" and "Gorgeous." It's already been a big year for the country-turned-pop star. Swift is gearing up for her Reputation Stadium Tour, which begins in May, and is walking into the 2018 Grammys with two nominations. The full music video for "End Game" drops at midnight. Can't wait that long? Check out the trailer for a sneak peek. Swift announced she would be releasing the trailer on Wednesday via her app. "I wanted to let you know first, the End Game video comes out tomorrow!," Swift wrote underneath a shot from the video. "Gonna be posting a few pictures on here before the trailer premieres on GMA tomorrow #EndGameMusicVideo." She then continued to tease the video with more photos throughout the day. (Eonline)
Her Planet Hollywood residency may have ended on New Year's Eve, but Britney Spears is going to keep on dancing. Multiple sources reveal in the new issue of Us Weekly that the pop star, 36, signed a deal to perform at Las Vegas' Park Theater -- the same spot where Lady Gaga will kick off a 74-date run in December. (Bruno Mars, Ricky Martin and Cher all have recurring performances booked at the theater inside Monte Carlo's resort. Notes a source, "They are really trying to compete with some of the more established venues in Las Vegas.") Says one source of the gig, set to begin in 2019, "They made the offer and she just couldn't refuse. She loves Vegas!" The "Hold It Against Me" singer especially digs that the steady job affords her plenty of time with her sons Preston, 12, and Jayden, 11. (Their dad is her ex-husband Kevin Federline.) "The schedule was perfect for her and her kids," says the source, "so why not continue?" That's not to say it was easy bidding farewell to Planet Hollywood. Another insider says the Grammy winner's New Year's Eve show "was emotional." In her final, pre-show meet and greet, the star mingled with fans, posed for photos and tearfully made a toast to one of her biggest fans, "who has supported her for nearly two decades," says the insider. "There wasn't a dry eye in the house." (US Weekly)
Rachel Platten's Dramatic Performance of 'Collide' Amid a Sea of Flowers on 'Corden'. Rachel Platten started off 2018 with a fiery performance. The bellowing crooner dropped by The Late Late Show With James Corden to perform the soaring single "Collide" from her Waves album Wednesday (Jan. 10) The song's bare chords and Platten's ethereal voice blended with the baroque style scenery, with a procession of bright strings and a booming kick drum following suit. Dripped in a sea of vibrant flowers and an ambient pulse of light, the New York native seemed to be floating in a wave of emotion: "Come in crashing to me, because I want us to collide," she preached. Platten called her latest effort Waves a no-filter album, saying it showed all of her sides. "I'm so proud of this (album)," Platten told Billboard in a recent visit to our Pop Shop Podcast. "I've never been prouder of anything I've made. I love these songs." (Billboard)
Dolly Parton removes 'Dixie' from Stampede dinner show. Country singer Dolly Parton has discarded "Dixie" from the name of a popular dinner show. From now on, the attraction will simply be known as Dolly Parton's Stampede. Parton said in a statement that the name change was spurred by changing attitudes and "will remove any confusion or concerns about our shows" as the company that operates the attraction expands into new markets. World Choice Investments LLC currently operates the Stampede dinner show for Parton in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri. World Choice spokesman Pete Owens said Parton is referring shifting attitudes about the word "Dixie" and its connotations. "It has added to confusion in discussions about the expansion of our dinner theaters to new locations across the country and around the world," he said in a statement. "Some of our guest comments and comments of developers, in markets around the country with whom we spoke, show a misconception of what our show is. They do not realize The Stampede is a very patriotic, spectacular, horse show with 32 beautiful horses as the stars." (PageSix)
Movies
Marvel Developing Black Widow Solo Film for Scarlett Johansson. Persistence pays off. Scarlett Johansson has been pitching a Black Widow standalone film for years, and on Wednesday, multiple outlets said screenwriter Jac Schaeffer has been hired to pen a script for the project. Nothing is set in stone, as the Marvel Studios movie is still in early development. Schaeffer wrote the script for Nasty Woman, a Dirty Rotten Scoundrels remake starring Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson. She previously wrote and directed the romantic sci-fi film TiMER. Johansson first appeared onscreen as Natasha Romanoff (a.k.a. Black Widow) in 2010's Iron Man 2, opposite Robert Downey Jr. The actress has reprised her role in four follow-up films, and she had an un-credited cameo in 2017's Thor: Ragnarok. Her character will return in Avengers: Infinity War (out May 4) and in another untitled Avengers film, debuting May 3, 2019. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has long said he wants to make a stand-alone movie centered on the character. Johansson is on board with the idea, and she told Variety in 2016 that she pitched it to the studio often. "It would have to fit in the idea of where they want to go," she explained. "I'm invested in that character. Marvel is greatly invested in that character." For Johansson to return, she said, "I would like for it to happen under the right circumstances." Regarding the plot possibilities, Johansson said, "I think there's a lot of opportunity to mine that story line. She's got a really rich origins story. There's a lot of places you can go -- you can bring it back to Russia. You could explore the Widow program. There's all kinds of stuff that you could do with it. You could really uncover the identity of who this person is, where she comes from and where she's part of." A prequel is a "possibility," she added. "There's plenty of back-story." But a standalone doesn't have to be about Black Widow before she was Black Widow. "Where do the Avengers go? They are underground. What happens then? What happens after it all falls apart? There are so many ways you can go. I think it would just have to be very much like its own specific thing," the actress mused to Variety. "It would have to have its own specific vibe." Meanwhile, Marvel will release its first female-led movie, Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, in 2019. (Eonline)
Venom Movie Teases First Look at Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock. Feast your eyes on Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock in Venom. Fans who attended Brazil Comic-Con in So Paulo Thursday were given the first look at the actor in character as the Marvel supervillain. Director Ruben Fleischer appeared via satellite from the "San Francisco" set in Atlanta, where he shared few details about the upcoming Columbia Pictures movie. "Up until this point, we've had a closed set -- no visitors, no press," he teased. "Nobody's been here. So, you guys are the first people in the world to visit our stages." "We want to be as true as possible to the comics with our film, but our story is primarily based on The Lethal Protector and the Planet of the Symbiote books," Fleischer told fans. As they screamed with excitement, he said, "I can promise you badass action, Venom's dark humor and I can also promise you an absolutely stunning performance by Tom Hardy. This is Venom's movie; we never know where he's going to show up. We're creating the next link in the chain." As he was speaking, Hardy popped into the frame to say hello and promote the film. "Wow, that is a lot of people! Wow! Hey, I'm sorry I can't be there with you. We were going to surprise you by flying in," he told fans. "We were going to take a flight; it's like nine and half hours overnight, and then we were going to jump back and go back to set, but the snow kept us on the ground. So, I'm really sorry that we can't be there with you now. But wow, we wanted to come to So Paulo. We wanted to come to Brazil. I've never been. I'm a huge fan. I give you my word of honor that I'm going to do anything I can to deliver the best Venom that I possibly can muster, because I know how important he is to you, and I know how important he is to the Marvel universe, and I know how important this is for all of us here. That's what we're doing." Venom, also starring Michelle Williams as Ann Weying, is slated for an Oct. 5 release. (Eonline)
Michelle Williams was not betrayed by anyone when she agreed to do reshoots for free when her male counterpart raked in $1.5 million ... so claim sources connected to her own agent. As we reported, when producers asked Michelle to do reshoots for "All the Money in the World," she quickly agreed to work for nothing. Mark Wahlberg, on the other hand, demanded $1.5 mil and, as one source put it, "He had producers over a barrel," and he got what he was after. Mark and Michelle are represented by the same agency -- William Morris Endeavor -- and there's been criticism that WME should have given Michelle a heads-up that Mark was getting paid, and paid a lot. Sources at WME tell TMZ, Michelle's contract required her to do reshoots as part of her overall salary, whereas Mark's deal did not include reshoots. One WME source put it this way ... Mark's agents at WME did not communicate with Michelle's agent to let him know what Mark was getting paid, adding, "That type of communication doesn't really happen between agents at WME." The WME sources say the agents advocate for their individual clients and have a duty of confidentiality not to disclose to one actor what another is getting paid. (TMZ)
Rumer Willis isn't exactly giving Mark Wahlberg a pass in the wage gap battle, but she thinks everyone's missing the point by making this about his payday. Rumer and a friend were shopping Rodeo in Bev Hills Wednesday when she weighed in on the issue that has Hollywood and America pissed off ... Mark getting $1.5 million, compared to Michelle Williams getting less than $1,000 for "All the Money in the World" reshoots. It's worth noting ... Rumer's mom, Demi Moore, was one of the first women to earn an 8-figure paycheck for a single movie, so ya gotta think she's been schooled on wage disparity in Hollywood. Her take? Back off Wahlberg ... attack the system! (TMZ)
Greta Gerwig's best director award smashed to pieces. Greta Gerwig is going to need a stronger grip when she accepts awards this season. Spies told Page Six that she dropped her trophy after accepting the best director award from the National Board of Review on Tuesday night -- and it shattered. "Stephen Colbert presented her with the award," a spy related. When they headed backstage, "she was so excited and nervous that the award slipped out of her hands and shattered into pieces onto Cipriani's marble floor. She kept saying, 'I can't believe I just did that!'" But the "Lady Bird" writer-director wasn't the only butterfingered winner at the awards. Minutes later, "The Post" producer and former Sony studio boss Amy Pascal broke her best picture award. "Both ladies felt much less klutzy after that," said a witness. They even posed for a picture together with Pascal holding her cracked glass plaque. Luckily, Oscars are sturdier. (PageSix)
Sarah Jessica Parker Jokes Who Should 'Play Samantha' Now in 'Sex and the City 3. Stephen Colbert promised that he wouldn't ask Sarah Jessica Parker about a possible Sex and the City 3 -- but luckily for fans, it didn't turn out that way. "What part would I play?" Colbert, 53, asked during The Late Show on Wednesday, January 10. "Well, there's an opening!" Parker, 52, exclaimed. Colbert replied: "Oh, really? Who do I have to act like? What would my character be like?" Parker teased: "Well, according to just very recent documentation about why we're not making it is because the part usually played by Kim Cattrall has been vacated. So, that's what I mean. Perhaps you'd want to play Samantha?" Colbert was clearly amused by the potential new gig. "I'm kind of slutty, a little fun," he said. Parker's comments come three months after Cattrall, 61, confirmed that she would not be reprising her role from the HBO franchise. Parker said she was disappointed that a third movie -- which already had a script -- would not be seeing the light of day, causing rumors to fly that it was because of Cattrall. "I never asked for any money," Cattrall would later tell Piers Morgan amid the controversy. "I never asked for any projects. To be thought of as some kind of diva is absolutely ridiculous." She also called out the Divorce actress for not being "nicer" when speaking about her in the press. "We've never been friends," she said. "We've been colleagues and in some way, it's a very healthy place to be." Days before The Late Show, Parker nixed another movie once and for all while attending the Golden Globes. "I mean, not as far as I can imagine," she told Entertainment Tonight. "I struggle with it because it's a bit sad, but I think one must keep these things in perspective." Sex and the City ran for six seasons on HBO from 1998 to 2004 and also starred Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon. (US Weekly)
Ben Wheatley Reveals He's Shooting New Film. The working title of 'Colin You Anus' is unlikely to be the final name. Or is it? Ben Wheatley, the hot Brit director behind recent A24 release Free Fire, plus High-Rise, Sightseers and Kill List, has revealed that he has started shooting a new project. Via his Instagram account, Wheatley announced that he was in production on his first film of 2018, one that comes with the working title of Colin You Anus. He later stated that it was just an 11-day shoot. The Hollywood Reporter understands that whatever Colin You Anus is, it isn't Freakshift, his upcoming sci-fi thriller that has already cast Alicia Vikander, Armie Hammer and Sasha Lane. Work on the film -- written by Wheatley and his partner Amy Jump and telling the story of squads of lawbreakers and misfits who go on the hunt for lethal nocturnal monsters -- appears to have simmered since Lane was announced in Cannes last year. Wheatley's last feature, Free Fire, an explosive hard-boiled action-comedy set in a warehouse and starring Hammer, Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Sharlto Copley, Babou Ceesay and Jack Reynor, closed the London Film Festival in 2016 after premiering in Toronto. (Hollywood Reporter)
Box Office Preview: 'Jumanji' Rules As 'The Post' Courts a Wider Audience. Three new national releases -- 'Paddington 2,' 'Proud Mary' and 'The Commuter' -- also will enter the crowded marketplace. While Steven Spielberg's The Post expands into theaters across America this weekend, and three new films also are entering wide release, Sony's Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle, which is entering its fourth weekend, is expected to easily outdistance the new challengers as it claims the top spot at the domestic box office during the course of the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. Jumanji, a PG-13-rated comedy/adventure starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, demonstrated real staying power last weekend as it took in $37.2 million, and so conceivably could attract as much as another $30 million over the coming four-day weekend. It's already crossed the $250 million mark domestically. The Post, which is being released by Fox, will be aiming for adult audiences interested in its politically-relevant account, written by Liz Hannah and Spotlight screenwriter Josh Singer, of how Washington Post publisher, Katharine Graham, played by Meryl Streep, and editor Ben Bradlee, portrayed by Tom Hanks, joined forces to defy the government and publish the Pentagon Papers. Playing in just a handful of theaters, the $50 million film, which opened Dec. 22, has grossed $4.2 million per date. This weekend, the production, from Amblin Entertainment and Participant Media, moves into 2,820 theaters, and could take in about $18 million to $20 million. It will be rubbing elbows, though, with a trio of new films, all jostling each other for attention. Warners, which bought North American distribution rights from the beleaguered Weinstein Co. and producer StudioCanal, will be bowing Paddington 2, the animated/live-action continuation of the adventures of a plucky Peruvian bear, voiced by Ben Wishaw. Paul King, who directed the PG-rated sequel, from a screenplay he wrote with Simon Farnaby, also directed the 2014 original, which bowed to $25.5 million when it debuted over Martin Luther King weekend in 2015. David Heyman, who produced the Harry Potter movies for the studio, served as producer on the whimsical British film. The new Paddington, which has already opened in Great Britain, has collected $125.2 million aboard. And it could be looking at a $20 million bow in the states, although studio estimates peg it at a few million dollars lower. Meanwhile, Sony will introduce Proud Mary, in which a gun-toting Taraji P. Henson plays a hit woman in Boston, whose life changes when she meets a young boy. Babak Najafi (London Has Fallen) directed the R-rated action pic, opening in about 2100 locations. Its screenplay is by John Stuart Newman, Christian Swegal and Steven Antin from a story Newman and Swegal. And it was produced by Paul Schiff, Tai Duncan. Executive producers are Glenn S. Gainor and Henson. While the studio is eying a low to mid-teen million-dollar debut, Proud Mary also could climb to top the $20 million mark. Finally, Lionsgate will launch The Commuter in around 2800 locations, including select IMAX theaters. The latest action movie starring Liam Neeson, this time finds Neeson playing a businessman who find himself caught up in a frenzied criminal conspiracy when he meets a stranger, played by Vera Farmiga, on a train. Jaume Collet-Sera (The Shallows) directed the PG-13-rated actioner, written by Byron Willinger, Philip de Blasi and Ryan Engle from a story by Willinger and de Blasi and produced by Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona for StudioCanal. The first entry in a new, long-term partnership between Lionsgate and StudioCanal, it is projected to open in the low-to-mid-teen million range. (Hollywood Reporter)
TV
John Cena to Host Nickelodeon's 2018 Kids' Choice Awards. Ready to get slimed again, John Cena? The wrestler will host the Nickelodeon's 2018 Kids' Choice Awards, the network announced Thursday, after hosting the annual event for the first time last year. "It's an awesome show!" Cena, who next stars in the comedy Blockers, tells E! News. "It is like the thrill of being in a WWE show, which is the thing I enjoy the absolute most, and Kids' Choice Awards is that thrill and that experience. Nickelodeon's production value is amazing. Every show is just outstanding and what they do for the kids in the audience and the kids at home is spectacular. The show is for the kids and so designed for the audience absolutely and it's so fun. You get to be a big kid." This year's show will air live from The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on March 24, at 8:00 p.m. ET. Nickelodeon will broadcast the annual event in more than 170 countries and territories, and additional news -- including categories and presenters -- will be announced in the coming weeks. Rest assured, Cena is already devising inventive ways to make this year's show the best in its 29-year history. "I compare the Kids' Choice Awards to Wrestle Mania in a WWE environment, where Wrestle Mania is the biggest show of the year for WWE. Every year it's enormous and they go, 'Well, what are we going to do next year?' And somehow they outdo themselves every year. Kids' Choice is no different, and they knock it out of the park every year," the Ferdinand star said. "We're in the process of coming up with how we are going to do that again this year." (Eonline)
Kristen Bell Reveals What She's Learned From Working With Ted Danson on The Good Place. The Good Place, one of the best shows on television week in and week out, features an ensemble cast doing some of the best work of their careers -- and that cast includes Kristen Bell and Ted Danson. When E! News spoke with Bell for a larger story on her career, from her start with Veronica Mars to The Good Place, the topic of Danson, whom Bell refers to as "my Teddy bear," naturally came up. After all, Danson, a TV legend thanks to Cheers, Damages, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bored to Death, Fargo, CSI, Becker... need we go on? Danson is a TV veteran who inspires, Bell said. "What have I learned from my Teddy bear? I learned you never really have to grow up. That you can stay as excited about this career when you're 70 years old... I've always felt that since everyone wants to be in this business -- it's incredibly competitive -- and I'm so lucky to be here, I have a responsibility to be happy," Bell said, noting that of course there are the times when actors are exhausted. "But for the most part, you should be excited to have this job every day, otherwise you don't really deserve it, in my opinion, in my humble, tough love opinion that I apply to myself. And Ted is such a shining example of that, he loves what he does, and I mean that not just from a craft perspective, whereas he will put the work in to figuring out the funniest way to have a mental breakdown on camera, but I also mean that in his demeanor on set. "He's incredibly excited to be at work all day. He is a big kid, and that's a really important life lesson, I think, more than just because he's a comedy god, his real-life personality is so joyful. It reminds me to be happy about what I'm doing because we're so incredibly lucky," she continued. On The Good Place, Bell plays Eleanor, a dead woman who -- SPOILER ALERT -- originally believed she was in heaven, known as the Good Place, as a mistake. She would later discover Danson's Michael, an otherworldly being in the afterlife, was really her torturer -- she and her counterparts played by Jameela Jamil, William Jackson Harper and Manny Jacinto, were really in hell. Now Eleanor, who was being taught how to be a good person by Harper's character Chidi, is helping Michael learn what it's like to be human. The bond extends off screen as well. "The other day, less than a week ago, I get a voicemail -- Who leaves voicemails anymore? No one -- just Ted saying, 'Hey, baby doll. Just thinking about you and the girls and Dax, hoping you guys are well. That's all.' That was it! He just has this sort of old world charm that is infectious," Bell said in an interview in December. "He's not needy at all, he's just happy. There's something very, very special about that. He's a little bit magic. And then I guess from an actor's perspective, he's incredibly easy to talk to as a person, which makes him easy to talk to as an actor. He looks in your eyes...he's incredibly present, which is kind of acting 101, but for some reason not everyone does it. "You have in your head what you think your character should be doing and sometimes you come and actually pretend. Ted doesn't really pretend, he just is. He just bes... if that word makes any sense," she said with a laugh. The Good Place season two airs Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. on NBC. The network has already ordered a third season. (Eonline)
Gillian Anderson confirms she's leaving The X-Files. It has not been a good week for Gillian Anderson fans. The actress' iconic character Dana Scully was served an unpleasant plot twist in the Jan. 3 episode of The X-Files, and the actress confirmed on Wednesday at the Television Critics' Association winter press tour that she won't return for any future X-Files seasons. "It's time for me to hang up Scully's hat. It just is," she told reporters Wednesday, per The Hollywood Reporter. "I'm finished and that's the end of that. I arrived at the decision before we did the previous six, but I was really curious. I felt that the previous six was going to be it. It was dipping our toe back in again ... and getting to play these wonderful characters again. I think as [series creator] Chris [Carter] has said himself that short stack of episodes felt like we were leaning how to walk again and that this season of 10 feels like the pace is up and we're running." "I wouldn't necessarily have been happy if those six were how we said goodbye," she added. "There's lots of things that I want to do in my life and in my career and it's been an extraordinary opportunity and extraordinary character and I am hugely grateful." At the same panel, Anderson also confirmed she won't be returning as the goddess Media in Starz's American Gods." "I'm not doing any more American Gods. Bryan and Michael Green aren't either, as has been announced," she said. As the embodiment of Media, Anderson's character shape-shifted between icons of American pop culture. In one episode she appeared as Lucille Ball in full black-and-white I Love Lucy regalia; in another, she played Aladdin Sane-era David Bowie. Media was one of the "new gods" who opposed the league of old ancient gods assembled by Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane). But following the departure of American Gods showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green, Anderson didn't seem interested in continuing that struggle. The L.A. Times first reported her possible departure. She's not the only one. Kristin Chenoweth, who played the goddess Easter, has also suggested she may not return without Fuller. Replacements for the departed producers have not been announced yet. It's unclear whether David Duchovny, who plays Anderson's partner Fox Mulder, will continue on The X-Files without Anderson, and Duchovny told reporters he would be "good either way." (Entertainment Weekly)
Jennifer Lopez Is Returning to Will & Grace -- in 2 Different Roles. Get ready for a double dose of JLo, Will & Grace fans! The icon will be making her grand return to the NBC comedy in an upcoming episode of the successful revival, following up on her hilarious guest appearances in seasons six and seven. But this time around, she'll be playing not one, but two different roles. E! News has confirmed that not only will Jennifer Lopez appear again as herself, but she'll be pulling double-duty as her Shades of Blue character, NYPD detective Harlee Santos, as well. How will that work? We have no idea, but we can't wait to see the sure-to-be hysterical way Will & Grace co-creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan bring the street-wise cop into their decidedly lighter world. As fans of Will & Grace surely recall, Lopez made her first appearance in the show's sixth season finale, as well as the season seven premiere, where it was revealed that she grew up in the Bronx with Karen's (Megan Mullally) now-dearly departed maid Rosario (Shelley Morrison). She eventually performed her hit "Waiting for Tonight" at Karen's wedding to Lyle Finster (John Cleese), with Jack (Sean Hayes) filling in as her back-up dancers, naturally. How will "Jennifer Lopez" take to hearing the news that her buddy from the block, Rosario, has passed away? You'll have to tune in to find out. Lopez joins an impressive roster of returning guests stars that includes Harry Connick Jr., Minnie Driver, Michael Arangano, Leslie Jordan and a still-to-come Bobby Cannavale. Vanity Fair was first to report the news. Will & Grace airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on NBC, while Shades of Blue returns for season three later this year. (Eonline)
John Cena to Voice 'Ninja Turtles' Character, Produce Competition Series for Nickelodeon. The actor and WWE superstar also will return as host of the Kids' Choice Awards, airing live March 24. John Cena is expanding his relationship with Nickelodeon in a big way. The actor and WWE superstar has signed on for three projects at the kids' channel, including voicing a role in the new 2D animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He'll play an original villain named Baron Draxum, an alchemist warrior mutant who seeks to turn all of humanity into mutants. Cena's recurring character will appear in the premiere episode and throughout the series, which follows the band of brothers as they encounter new mutants and villains and discover a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to premiere later this year. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is co-executive produced by Andy Suriano and Ant Ward at Nickelodeon in Burbank. Veteran voice actor Rob Paulsen is voice directing the series. In addition, Cena is executive producing a new competition series, Keep It Spotless, in which teams of kids take part in physical and paint-filled challenges designed with one goal in mind -- to stay as clean as possible. After each game, a 360-degree scanner will measure each teams' mess to determine just how spotless they really are. The winning team will face the Gauntlet, a multiple-challenge obstacle course, where they can win cash. Keep It Spotless, produced by ITV Entertainment and Hard Nocks and based on a U.K. format from Possessed, is scheduled to premiere later this year. Along with Cena, David Eilenberg, David George, Jason Carey and Shye Sutherland are executive producers. Cena also is returning as host of the Kids' Choice Awards for a second consecutive year. The awards show, which honors young viewers' favorite movies, TV series, music and more, will air live on March 24, from 8-9:30 p.m. (ET/PT), returning to the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. It will air worldwide on Nickelodeon channels in more than 170 countries and territories. Additional KCA news, including categories and presenters, is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The show is produced by Nickelodeon Productions, with Elizabeth Kelly, Michael Dempsey, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard and Jay Schmalholz serving as executive producers. "I'm thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon on three big projects that run the range of what kids love: slime-filled live events, awesomely cool animation and competition shows where kids take their shot at being the best," Cena told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement "It's an honor to come back a second time to host the biggest, slimiest party of the year, the Kids' Choice Awards. Not only do I get to be a cartoon character in the new Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, but I get to be a villian, too. And to top it all off, I'm stepping behind the camera to executive produce Nick's new competition series Keep It Spotless, which gives a whole new meaning to staying clean." (Hollywood Reporter)
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