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Elizabeth Wagmeister Senior Correspondent Kelly Ripa first appeared on morning TV when she was a soap star on “All My Children.” At that time, she was being booked as a guest on “Live With Regis & Kathie Lee” by a young executive producer, Michael Gelman, who eventually helped cast her in a lead role, replacing Kathie Lee Gifford in 2001 to co-host with Regis Philbin. More than 22 years later, Ripa and Gelman are still working together every day on “Live!” which has continued on as one of the greatest successes in television history, currently reigning as the top daytime talk show in syndication. “She had that ‘wow factor’ as a guest,” Gelman tells Variety, reminiscing on when he first met a 20-something Ripa in the ’90s.

Kate Hudson is coming to the defense of her momma Goldie Hawn!

Married At First Sight has reached its end.Now, power couple Layton Mills, 35, and Melinda Willis, 33, can finally “focus on getting to know one another outside of the experiment”, shares Layton.The pair sat down with WHO to give us the lowdown on where they’re at...Watch Below: Harrison's Married At First Sight audition tapeWhat makes you sure that you’ll work on the outside? MILLS: We’re still trying to work through that. We’ve been up and down. We’re working out navigating those situations where we clash.  You’re both busy CEOs. How will you make time to work things out? WILLIS: We enjoy our own space and our time together, so it will work out really well.

BreAnna Bell BET has announced its upcoming docuseries special from Gabrielle Union titled, “My Journey to 50.” The two-part special serves as Union’s first project to come from her overall deal with the company, which was announced last June. The documentary follows the “L.A.’s Finest” alum as she jets off with her husband Dwyane Wade, family, friends and loved ones on a journey across Africa from the island of Zanzibar to the coast of Ghana to the parks of Namibia and the nightlife of South Africa in celebration of her 50th birthday. “We join Gabrielle, along with her family and closest friends, as she embarks on a journey that sheds light on the woman she once was and honors who she is in the present while discovering the deeply rooted, badass that she has always been. On this journey, she’ll walk the path of her heritage, gain wisdom and shed what no longer works for her while welcoming others to relearn, rediscover and reconnect as we collectively celebrate our most authentic selves,” reads the show’s official synopsis, per BET.

Terry Sanderson claimed Gwyneth Paltrow was responsible for more than just the injuries he suffered on the ski slope in 2016. During the sixth day of testimony, Sanderson blamed the actress for three "near-death experiences" after the collision. Sanderson initially sued Paltrow for $3.1 million and claimed he was the victim of a hit-and-run on the slopes at the Deer Valley ski resort in 2016.

The feds are snatching any and all of Jen Shah‘s assets!

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Mike Myers “knows nothing” about a recent claim that alleges he had a crew member on “The Love Guru” fired because he looked at him straight in the eyes. Vancouver radio DJ Jay Brody caused a stir on social media when he shared a video of Keanu Reeves helping move production equipment on the set of “John Wick: Chapter 4.” “People saying that ‘[Keanu] shouldn’t be praised for helping’ have no idea what it’s like working in film,” Brody posted on Twitter. “Mike Myers had me fired off the set of ‘The Love Guru’ because I made eye contact with him, and I was there as his bodyguard…give Keanu his roses.” Brody later clarified in a follow-up video that he was not Myers’ direct bodyguard on set but worked for the film security unit on the set of “The Love Guru,” Myers’ infamous 2008 flop co-starring Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake.

Donnie Wahlberg is grateful to be a part of two long-running institutions of entertainment: The New Kids on the Block and CBS announced on Tuesday that the police procedural has been renewed for a 14th season, and when ET's Nischelle Turner spoke with him about his upcoming season of the ID true-crime series he couldn't help but rave about his longtime experience on «I'm just incredibly grateful, you know?» Wahlberg shared. «It's very unbelievable to be doing so many things that I love to do. I've been in my band for almost 40 years, 30-something years, and I've been doing this show for 13 years and I'm so grateful for it.»Wahlberg admitted that he occasionally thinks it might be time to turn in his fictional badge, but said he's inspired by keeping pace with the long-tenured franchise, as well as his family.«I have a great cast, who's become family, we have a great crew and so many loyal viewers and fans,» he marveled.

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor Electronic Arts will cut 6% of its headcount, amounting to about 800 jobs, and reduce its office space, the company announced. The video game company, whose popular titles include “Madden NFL,” “EA Sports FIFA 23,” “Apex Legends” and “The Sims,” is restructuring to focus on “strategic priorities,” CEO Andrew Wilson said in a memo distributed to employees Wednesday. “As we drive greater focus across our portfolio, we are moving away from projects that do not contribute to our strategy, reviewing our real estate footprint, and restructuring some of our teams,” Wilson said in the memo.

Heating up! Matthew Lawrence and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas’ whirlwind romance keeps getting better.

Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise were spotted having fun in New York. The twosome was photographed hanging out with some girlfriends and laughing together as they walked through the city. Suri Cruise to follow in Katie Holmes’ footsteps & study fashionKatie Holmes looks stylish wearing a pair of eco-friendly sneakers around NYCHolmes and Cruise were accompanied by two other women.

Jennifer Aniston was not a fan of the outfit that Adam Sandler wore to the L.A. premiere of their new movie Murder Mystery 2!

Disney has let go SVP and Chief Compliance Officer Alicia Schwarz, Deadline has learned, amid a major retrenchment at the company.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter The Peacock limited series adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s novel “Apples Never Fall” has found its last two series regulars. Variety has learned exclusively that Jeanine Serralles and Dylan Thuraisingham have joined the series. They will star alongside previously announced cast members Annette Bening, Sam Neill, Alison Brie, Jake Lacy, Conor Merrigan-Turner, Essie Randles, and Georgia Flood. Serralles (“Hightown,” “Utopia”) will play the role of Detective Elena Camacho. The official character description states, “When Joy Delaney (Bening) goes missing, Detective Elena Camacho runs lead on the case. But she quickly grows frustrated — and suspicious— when Joy’s own family creates roadblocks in her investigation. Her pursuit of answers takes her deeper into her own struggles to balance the demands of motherhood and her job.”

Reagan family dinners will resume! Blue Bloods was renewed for season 14 — but only after the cast reportedly agreed to a salary shake-up.

The adventures of the crime-fighting Reagan family will continue.

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Veteran film producer Bob Yari (“Crash”) and music executive turned content maker Marvin Peart have formed WonderHill Studios, a film and production entity that will also offer independent theatrical distribtuion.  Yari and Peat privately raised equity for the new company, for which they will serve as co-founders and co-CEOs. The label will also dabble in film acquisitions and rights sales to foreign territories.  “WonderHill Studios is eager to fill a crucial hole within the theatrical and television space, while also focusing on diversity in cinema and television in front and behind the camera. We are dedicated to building a diverse C-suite, and delivering quality independent films to the theatrical marketplace,” Yari said. 

EXCLUSIVE: Doctor Sleep filmmaker Mike Flanagan has pitched a feature version of DC supervillain Clayface over at the studio several sources tell Deadline, however, no word on greenlight yet — and the studio has not said ‘No’. There are no offers and no deals.

bride Lyndall Grace, 27, tells WHO about why she really had to call her ex-husband out – and reveals the truth about those rumours she’s been dating another groom...Watch Below: Married At First Sight Australia: Lyndall shares Cystic Fibrosis diagnosisHow are you feeling Lyndall?             I feel amazing! Calling Cameron out at final vows was a real opportunity for me to say exactly how his behaviour and approach had made me feel. I continuously put my dignity on the line trying to please him.

Eating for two.

Bob Yari and Marvin Peart have today announced the launch of WonderHill Studios, a new production and distribution company that will operate in the independent space, focusing on film and television production, domestic film distribution, acquisitions and foreign sales.

Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks will unite live onstage in May to co-host the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards.

A backstage moment between Lenny Kravitz and Taylor Swift at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards was caught on video!

Fox Entertainment has tapped Diana Ruiz as Executive Vice President, Experiences and Design.

McKinley Franklin author Fox has named Diana Ruiz as its new executive vice president of experiences and design. Ruiz will report to Fox Entertainment and Fox Sports chief financial officer, Jeff Acosta. “With more than 20 years in the global events arena, Diana possesses considerable, proven creativity, discipline and operational excellence,” said Acosta. “Her unique skill set will be invaluable as Fox leverages differentiated, measurable impact-driven events and experiences to continue expanding its leadership position within the worldwide media and content creation landscape.” Responsible for the development and execution of marketing, publicity, sales, hospitality and corporate events and experiences, Ruiz will lead Fox’s global events team while working cross-functionally across their portfolio of businesses. Ruiz will lead prominent projects including Fox Network premieres, the Upfronts, Comic Con and sporting events such as The Super Bowl, Men’s and Women’s World Cup, and The MLB All-Star Game, among others. 

BreAnna Bell CBS has renewed its hit drama “Blue Bloods” for the 2023-2024 season, marking the show’s 14th year on the network. “’Blue Bloods’ has dominated Friday nights since its premiere and remained an important anchor for CBS’ winning lineup,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “Led by the outstanding Tom Selleck, and an incredible cast and creative team, viewers continue to embrace the Reagan’s, their law enforcement family, and the series’ dramatic storytelling. We can’t wait to pull a chair up to the Reagan family dinner table for another fantastic season.” CBS boasts the series as Friday night’s No. 1 primetime program and the third ranked broadcast drama with 9.54 million total viewers. “Blue Bloods” records more than 11 million viewers an episode on Paramount+ and CBS TV according to live +35 day multiplatform viewing figures. The series is also a top 10 program on Paramount+ based on total minutes viewed. Year to date in 2023, “Blue Bloods” ranks as the sixth most viewed channel on Pluto TV.

EXCLUSIVE: Sony‘s Screen Gems is in very early development on a Paradise Court film based on the horror comic book series from Zenescope Entertainment, and has enlisted Assemble Media to produce it, Deadline has learned.

The Downtown Albuquerque Railyards will serve as the headquarters for the New Mexico Media Academy, a collaborative workforce development program equipping NM residents with the skills they need to build successful film and TV careers, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Wednesday.

EXCLUSIVE: In competition, Amazon Studios is in final talks for the package The Pick Up, with Eddie Murphy eyeing to star and Tim Story attached to direct. John Davis and John Fox will produce through his Davis Entertainment banner. Murphy and Charisse Hewitt-Webster are also in talks to produce through Eddie Murphy Productions, and Story will also be producer.

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor Critical Role, the company that has adapted its popular and long-running Dungeons & Dragons livestreamed campaigns into animated series “The Legend of Vox Machina” on Prime Video, has made its first acquisition. Metapigeon, Critical Role’s development and production company, acquired podcast “Midst,” described as a semi-improvised audio drama. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. As part of the acquisition, Metapigeon is teaming with Third Person, the podcast’s three founders who also narrate and produce the series, to continue to expand the “Midst” brand. According to a rep for Critical Role, the podcast’s founders are preferring to remain anonymous.

Police have objected to a Bury nightclub extending their opening hours saying among past issues was the rape of 17-year-old girl after she had left the premises. Club 66, on Silver Street have given notice to Bury Council for a temporary event this weekend (April 1 and 2) to allow their alcohol licence to be extended from 4am to 5am.

A Disney spokesperson has confirmed to Deadline that Ike Perlmutter is out at the company. Note, Permutter oversaw the consumer products division of Marvel, and isn’t part of the Kevin Feige-led Marvel Studios.

WME is teaming with Inevitable Foundation, the non-profit helping disabled screenwriters to reach their full commercial and creative potential, on a new initiative to empower them.

looks to eliminate 7,000 jobs in multiple rounds of layoffs that kicked off this week, in what CEO Bob Iger calls part of a “strategic realignment.”Rob Grosser, a longtime third-party Marvel security consultant who is also considered to be Perlmutter’s fixer, is also out according to 2 insiders with knowledge of the situation.According to The Hollywood Reporter, Grosser had assisted in the investigation of media leaks at Marvel before, which included the incident in 2012 when the website Latino Review had revealed information about Marvel’s plans to release its first “Guardians of the Galaxy” film before it was officially announced. In an email that was posted on the same site, Grosser referred to Latino Review as a “fanboy” website.“My name is Rob Grosser and I am an independent security consultant working for Marvel.

Melissa Joan Hart acted as a hero to survivors escaping The Covenant School shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday. Hart, who lives in Nashville with husband Mark Wilkerson and their three children, explained her experience in an emotional video that she posted on Instagram Tuesday.

Kelly Ripa didn’t have it easy in those early days of Live!