Eurovision Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Bambie Thug will be representing Ireland in this year’s edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.Ireland held Eurosong, their annual contest to select their Eurovision entrant, last night (January 26). Bambie Thug triumphed with their song ‘Doomsday Blue’ after winning the most combined votes from a combined vote from viewers, and national and international juries.Speaking to Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty after winning, Bambie Thug said: “I don’t know how I feel – I feel incredible.“My words are gone – as a lyricist you’d think I’d have more to say but I’m speechless – I’m so excited and I promise I’m going to do you so proud.”The self-described “ouija pop” artist was born in Macroom, County Cork, and is now based in London.

After weeks of uncertainty, Netflix favourite Emily in Paris is finally back in production after the romantic comedy series resumed filming, despite one of it’s lead stars suffering a life-threatening health scare. The popular show, which stars Lily Collins began filming the fourth series earlier this week, with Lily revealing the news on social media as she shared snap and post that showed off a snippet of the new script and her trademark smile.

With the fifth season of ITV's The Masked Singer finally upon us, fans of the singing competition have wasted no time in frantically guessing the stars behind the 12 costumes. Characters this year include the likes of Dippy Egg, Eiffel Tower and Chicken Caesar to name a few, but it's the Rat that has everyone talking as fans are convinced they know exactly who it is.

TV presenter Claudia Winkleman has been tipped for a major new role as a potential replacement for Graham Norton on his BBC chat show. The Strictly presenter is said to have completed a successful pilot show last year but there's no talk of a full series yet as she is too busy, according to The Mirror. Claudia is the host of The Traitors and co-presents Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One, she is also working on Channel 4's music show The Piano, and has a Saturday morning radio show on BBC Radio 2.

Eurovision Song Contest.Organisers of the contest faced backlash and boycott calls in December after allowing Israel to participate in 2024 competition – which is due to take place in Malmö, Sweden from May 7-11 – despite the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.Since Hamas forces launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people, at least 22,835 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, amounting to one per cent of the territory’s total pre-war population of 2.27million (per CNN).The petition urges a ban over alleged “war crimes” in Gaza, adding that if Israel is not excluded, they want public broadcaster Yle to withdraw Finland’s entry.Yle said it is monitoring the position of the organiser of the contest, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).One of the petition’s authors, Lukas Korpelainen, told newspaper Hufvudstadsbladet (via BBC) that it was not acceptable for Israel to “take part in the Eurovision Song Contest to polish its image”.Others who have signed the petition include Finnish artists Olavi Uusivirta, Paleface and 2011 contestant Axel Ehnström.Signatories have accused Yle of double standards, noting that the broadcaster was among the first to demand a ban on Russia from the 2022 contest after its invasion of Ukraine, saying “we expect the same active defending of values from Yle now as well”.Russia was banned from competing in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, which was won by Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra.Yle representative Ville Vilén said the situation in Israel and Gaza was “not quite the same”.“As gruesome as it is, it is not a war of inter-state aggression like between Russia and Ukraine,” he told Finnish tabloid Ilta-Sanomat.Yle’s head of communications, Jere Nurminen, told

Graham Norton - the multi talented Irish comedian, actor, author, and television host - has been on our screens for years. Having presented his own chat show, The Graham Norton Show since 2007, plus offering his witty commentary on the Eurovision Song Contest year after year, the 60 year old has also starred in an array of films, TV productions, and presented on the radio.

Eurovision 2023 entry Alessandra has shared her energetic new single ‘Narcissist’. Check it out below.Produced by Carl-Philip Ström and written in collaboration with Clara Hagman (Hanna Ferm, NOTD), the track describes a toxic relationship with lyrics: “Giving me the whole world / Then set it all on fire / ‘Cause you do it for the hell of it / You’re a goddamn narcissist” highlighting the turbulent contradictions between the two lovers.Speaking about the song in a press release, Alessandra said: “I’ve been in toxic relationships before, where I cared too much about what my partner thought of me.

Eurovision Song Contest has teased that “The Caribbean is coming” to this year’s competition.Taking to their official Instagram page with 1.3 million followers to announce that the Caribbean – a subregion of North America with over 700 islands – will be taking part in the famous contest for the first time.The post showed a video clip of palm trees and clear beaches. The caption of the post read: “New Year! New News! We’re thrilled to confirm that the Caribbean is coming to the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.

Eurovision Song Contest.Shaul Greenglick was one of three soldiers recently reported dead by the Israel Defense Forces, via The Times Of Israel, following the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.According to Billboard, Greenglick auditioned for Israel’s The Next Star, a singing competition series through which the country’s Eurovision contestant is selected, while on furlough last month.He earned a place in the show’s next round but he reportedly dropped out of the contest in order to return to his military duties.Baruch Dayan HaEmetThis was 26 year old Cpt. (res.) Shaul Greenglick of the Nahal Brigade's 931st Battalion from Raanana who was killed in action in GazaHe was once a contestant on the Israeli singing show called "The Next Star"May his memory be for a blessing pic.twitter.com/GcycIWBCT4— Documenting Israel (@DocumentIsrael) December 26, 2023It comes just days after Yotam Haim, the drummer for Israeli heavy metal band Persephore, was killed by the Israel Defense Forces after being mistaken for a Hamas fighter.Since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the Israeli military have said 170 of its soldiers have been killed.

Olly Alexander has signed a pro-Palestine letter which calls Israel an “apartheid state” and accuses it of genocide.It was revealed at the weekend that the singer and actor would be representing the UK at Eurovision next year in Malmö, Sweden, the hometown of this year’s winner Loreen.Before he was confirmed as the UK’s Eurovision entrant, Alexander had signed an open letter from LGBTQ+ activist group Voices4London, which called for a ceasefire in Gaza and for Israel to allow aid into the area. The letter also condemned “Zionist propaganda” amid the war with Hamas.The letter says: “We are watching a genocide take place in real time.

Eurovision Song Contest has been revealed – you can check it out below.The 68th Eurovision will take place in Malmö, Sweden, with the Grand Final of the competition due to be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024. This week, it was announced that Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander will represent the UK.Today (December 19), Fredrik Stormby from Sweden-based design studio Green Wall Designs has been confirmed as the Lighting and Screen Content Designer for the 2024 contest.The designer will join the senior production team along with production designer FlorianWieder to help create, design and deliver “a large-scale and spectacular show to a global audience of over 160million”.Green Wall Designs, which was co-founded by Stormby, is one of the world’s leading creative studios renowned for creating captivating visual experiences in music and live entertainment.The company specialises in video, lighting and scenic elements, and worked on Loreen’s winning performance at Eurovision 2023 back in May.

Olly Alexander has said he has “got a lot of music ready to go” following the news that he’ll be representing the UK at Eurovision 2024.Earlier this week, it was announced that the Years & Years singer is set to compete in the contest next year in Malmö, Sweden – the hometown of the 2023 winner Loreen. Alexander will succeed the UK’s previous contestant Mae Muller, who finished second to last.Speaking to Magic Breakfast yesterday (December 18), the artist explained (via Music News): “The song that I have for Eurovision I made with Danny L Harle, who’s a brilliant pop producer, and we made basically a whole album.“So I’ve got a lot of music ready to go so I’m so, so excited that it’s coming.”Alexander last released an album in the form of Years & Years’ third studio effort ‘Night Call’, which arrived in early 2022.

Olly Alexander has said shares his hopes to “fly the flag for the country in the gayest way possible” when he performs as the UK’s entry at Eurovision 2024.The Years & Years singer will represent the country next year in Malmö, Sweden – the hometown of this year’s winner Loreen – as revealed during the Strictly Come Dancing final this weekend.He will succeed the UK’s previous contestant Mae Muller, who finished second to last in the 2023 competition.The artist previously shared on social media that it was “very difficult to keep quiet”, but that he has “wanted to do this for a long time.”In a statement released Saturday (December 16), the ‘King’ singer vowed to “fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible” and “put on an unforgettable performance”.While details about the song currently remain under wraps, Alexander has confirmed that it was co-written by Danny L Harle, who has produced Dua Lipa‘s new song ‘Houdini‘ alongside Tame Impala‘s Kevin Parker.“It’s gonna be electronic, something you can dance to,” Alexander told the BBC. “But I can’t say much more than that.“I just can’t wait to get out there and meet the fans and everyone else taking part,” he added.

It's official - Olly Alexander will be representing the UK at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.The Years & Years singer broke the news to the nation during an equally exciting night, as he announced the secret while chatting to Claudia Winkleman at the Strictly Come Dancing final. The 33 year old spoke to the host after the final three celebs, Ellie Leach - who went on to win the show - Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier danced for the last time with their respective partners ahead of the results.

Olly Alexander has been announced as the UK’s Eurovision entry for 2024.The Years & Years singer will represent the country next year in Malmö, Sweden, the hometown of this year’s winner Loreen. He will succeed the UK’s previous contestant Mae Muller, who finished second to last in the 2023 competition.On socials, Alexander said it was “very difficult to keep quiet”, but that he has “wanted to do this for a long time.”“It feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name”, he added.

Eurovision is receiving backlash and boycott calls after allowing Israel to compete in next year’s competition.The country has been included on the list of participating contestants in Sweden in 2024 leading many to call for the country to be banned from the contest due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.According to a recent report by Al Jazeera, at least 10,812 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7. In Israel, the death toll over the same period stands at more than 1,400.The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNWRA (via euronews), also claims that nearly 1.9million people – more than 85 per cent of the population in Gaza – have been displaced.

NME following the city’s inaugural Beyond the Music conference about how he hopes it will “galvanise” the music industry as issues affecting the industry fall on “deaf ears” at Westminster.Last month’s Beyond the Music explored multiple crises the music industry is currently facing, such as the future of grassroots venues and the continuing impact of Brexit on UK musicians struggling to tour Europe.On the latter, Burnham said “it’s just wrong” that the careers of young musicians are still suffering as they continue to face difficulties touring Europe post-Brexit.At the conference in October, Burnham discussed the “ridiculous” Brexit rules for artists travelling around Europe. Back in 2021, the UK music industry spoke out on how they had essentially been handed a “No Deal Brexit” when the government failed to negotiate visa-free travel and Europe-wide work permits for musicians and crew.Despite trying to raise these issues with ministers, Burnham told NME it’s still falling on “deaf ears” as the government continues to ignore the chaos Brexit has caused as artists struggle to navigate “all kinds of hidden obstacles” to performing in Europe.“It’s so frustrating, particularly given that Europe offered a better arrangement and in the rhetoric of Brexit, it got turned down,” he explained, referring to Boris Johnson’s rejection of a deal for artists proposed by Europe.

Antiques Roadshow has not only amazed BBC viewers with the value of items over the years, it's also seen a string of celebrity hosts. Stars like Michael Aspel, Question Time's Fiona Bruce and this year's Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon have all led the famous show in the past four decaades, but where are they now? From hosting some of the UK's most popular TV shows to appearing on Morecambe and Wise and winning Rear Of The Year, the Antiques Roadshow hosts have had interesting lives. Here, OK! takes a look at what's happened to the popular TV show's famous hosts...

Eurovision Song Contest onto its wanted list.Jamala – real name Susana Alimivna Jamaladinova – was listed as being sought for violating a criminal law in the Interior Ministry database (via AP News). She was allegedly charged for spreading false information about the Russian military and the ongoing fighting in Ukraine after a law banning such was adopted last year.The singer won the 2016 singing contest with her song ‘1944’, which was named after the year that the Soviet Union deported Crimean Tatars, an annexation largely regarded as illegitimate by other countries who still viewed Crimea as a Ukrainian territory – nearly two years after Russia annexed Crimea, according to Pitchfork.A post shared by Jamala (@jamalajaaa)‘1944’ depicted the suffering endured by her ancestors during deportations under the regime of the Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, which caused further tension with Russia.According to AP News, Russia protested against the song from being allowed in the competition, saying it violated rules against political speech in Eurovision.

A post shared by Sony Music Portugal (@sonymusicpt)Tavares was born in Lisbon in 1978 to parents who emigrated to Portugal from Cape Verde. She rose to fame singing Whitney Houston’s ‘One Moment in Time’ on Chuva de Estrelas, a national singing competition, in 1994.She also won the Festival da Canção that same year, the national selection contest for Eurovision.

Eurovision star Sara Tavares, who represented Portugal in the 1994 contest, has sadly passed away at just 45 after a a decade-long fight with a brain tumour. Sara is fondly remembered for her performance of "Chamar a Musica" in Dublin, which secured one of Portugal's best results ever in the competition when she finished eighth. Her family announced the heartbreaking news of her passing to Portugese media, with tributes for the singer quickly pouring in across social media.Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one fan wrote: "Sara Tavares was such a talent, with a beautiful voice and an amazing discography, and I’m so saddened to hear of her passing.

Eurovision Song Contest has announced that it will keep Liverpool’s ‘United By Music’ slogan for all future installments.The tag was made by the BBC specifically for the 2023 edition of the iconic song contest earlier this year, and was the latest of a long-running range of slogans made for the event.It comes after a different tagline was created for each installment since 2002, except for in 2009 when no slogan was used.Now, in a new announcement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organisers have said that they are “excited” to confirm that the latest slogan will be sticking around for years to come.“The legacy of Liverpool’s good vibes lives on – with United By Music set to resonate from Merseyside to Malmö and well beyond,” the statement read (via BBC News). It also added that the tagline “reflects the power of music to bring people together across the world”.The tag was chosen as the UK was picked to host the 2023 instalment, which aired in May, after 2022’s winners Ukraine were unable to host following Russia’s invasion.Swedish singer Loreen was this year’s winner, meaning that the 2024 contest will be held in Malmö next May.

Eurovision legend Johnny Logan has been left heartbroken at the death of his brother, as he told his fans that there is a “hole in our hearts that will never heal.” The 69 year old took to social media on Wednesday, 1 November, to announce the passing of Michael Sherrard. Michael’s sad death comes exactly six years after the death of their younger brother, Eamon, in 2017. For many years, Michael had been living in Manchester and working as Johnny’s musical director and guitarist.Taking to Facebook, Johnny told his fans that it was with a “broken heart” that he announced the news.

Pop legend Sonia first shot to fame as a fresh-faced 18 year old in 1989, with her No 1 chart hit, You'll Never Stop Me Loving You. She went on to have a string of further hits while working with the legendary songwriting and music production trio Stock Aitken Waterman, including Can't Forget You and Listen To Your Heart.The singing superstar even represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993 – coming a very respectable second place with Better The Devil You Know – and was the first female artist to have five Top 20 singles from one album. But incredibly Sonia, who's now 52, hardly seems to have changed a bit since her heyday, recently appearing on BBC Breakfast looking much younger than her age.

Cast your mind back to 2016, when a fresh faced Joel Dommett decided to head into the Australian jungle to compete in the 16th series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Arguably, his stint on one of the most watched and beloved ITV shows (where he finished in second place to Gogglebox's Scarlett Moffatt) was his breakthrough moment in terms of accessing a wider audience - but before his trip Down Under, Joel had already been pretty successful. From his early work in Casualty and The Golden Hour to his stand-up hustle that saw him perform gigs all around the world, the 38 year old's latest career highlight is in the form of BBC's revival of Survivor - the iconic reality show that sees a group of contestants become castaway as they try and fend for themselves in an isolated location.

Robert Irwin, the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, will join a host of stars announcing the winners at the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Singapore. Irwin will take to the stage, as will Oscar winner Cate Blanchett and actors Lana Condor and Nomzamo Mbatha, during the Prince of Wales’ event on November 7, aimed at recognising solutions to “repair” the planet.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Georgia Harrison and the Lionesses were among the winners at the Glamour Women of the Year awards 2023.The ceremony that celebrates 'game changers and feminist heroes' was held on Tuesday, 17 October in London, with Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan as the host. Little Mix's Leigh-Anne was awarded the musician gong.The 32 year old rose to fame after winning The X Factor as part of girl band Little Mix in 2011 – alongside Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson – and spent a decade in the group before they went on hiatus.

The sight and sound of the royals playing musical instruments is not something we are often privy to, but many of them are skilful musicians who can more than hold a tune. Unsurprisingly, cream of the crop in the musical stakes is the Princess of Wales, who holds a Grade Three in piano and flute, plus Grade Five in singing and theory.

Katie Price has been mocked over her singing abilities, as the former glamour model announces she is releasing a brand new single.The 45-year-old mum of five teased fans with an excerpt of her new track on an episode of her podcast The Katie Price Show. Presenting the show alongside her sister, the I'm a Celeb star treated listeners to her cover of R&B singer Jermaine Stewart's 1986 song We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off.

Eurovision 2023 star Käärijä has teamed up with Tommy Cash for a new song and video – watch ‘It’s Crazy, It’s Party’ below.The singer became known for his huge Eurovision entry ‘Cha Cha Cha’, and has now returned with an even more intense second effort.“A big dream came true as I got to make a song with Tommy Cash,” he said in a statement about the new song.“I was on vacation after the Eurovision, sitting in a beach chair when I received a DM from Tommy. The song came together very quickly, and ‘It’s crazy, It’s party’ reflects both of our vibes.“Tommy is a top-notch artist, and I’ve learned a lot from him along the way.

Eurovision star Netta has announced her debut album and shared a new single ‘Wonderful & Great’. Check it out below.The new track marks the Israeli singer’s second English single.

Hannah Waddingham says she will no longer be hosting the BBC Fantasy, Myths And Legends Prom at the Royal Albert Hall, out of solidarity with the ongoing Hollywood actors’ strike.The actress and singer, known for her performance in the Bafta-winning Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, said she was “respectfully” stepping down. In a post on social media shortly before the event, she wrote: “Hey guys, I very sadly won’t be able to host tonight’s @‌bbcproms ‘Fantasy, Myths and Legends’. “It will be a magical night, but due to my ongoing support for the @‌sagaftra strike, I must respectfully step down.

Eurovision contestant, Patricia Bredin, has died at the age of 88.Bredin was only 22 years old when she performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Eurovision star Luke Black has returned with the buoyant and Lily Allen-inspired new single ‘I’m So Happy’. Check it out below along with our interview with the artist.Back in May, Black represented his native Serbia at the Song Contest with the political, “cyber-punk”, sci-fi and video game inspired ‘Samo Mi Se Spava‘ (also known as ‘Sleep Forever’). Now, the London-based artist has returned with a new single – inspired by the landscape, culture and music of his surroundings.“‘I’m So Happy’ is the first song I created when I moved to London to study music,” Black told NME.

Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks is facing a number of big changes after a mass exit.The show's executive producer Lucy Allan has decided to leave after two years in the role on the programme. She is not the only major departure, as reports suggest that series producer Philip Dodds and script and storyline executive Josie Day are also leaving.The Sun is reporting that the trio have been given their marching orders after record-low ratings and chaos on set.

Måneskin have announced a new single called ‘Honey! (Are U Coming?)’ – check out the preview below.The Italian rockers, who released their third album ‘Rush!’ in January, shared a snippet of the forthcoming song on social media earlier this week (August 8).It wasn’t confirmed when the track will arrive, but the group promised it would be “coming soon” (pre-save/pre-add here).The news was accompanied by an official visual that features a five-second clip of ‘Honey! (Are U Coming?)’.