KAYE ADAMS REVEALS ALL ABOUT FORTHCOMING LOOSE WOMEN TOUR IN GLASGOW

Loose Women is hitting the road for the very first time this autumn with Loose Women Live and Kaye Adams reckons it could be the ultimate girls night out.

Theshowbizlion.com can’t wait to be there as the gals swap the studio for the stage to bring laughter, never-before-heard stories and backstage secrets. 

It’s been twenty four years since the show began and the women will be truly let loose for the tour. 

 

Kicking off at Birmingham Symphony Hall on Friday September 01, the tour will visit 16 spectacular venues throughout the month and include a night at the world-famous London Palladium.

 

Joining Loose Women Live will be Brenda Edwards, Charlene White, Christine Lampard, Dame Kelly Holmes, Denise Welch, Frankie Bridge, Gloria Hunniford, Jane Moore, Janet Street-Porter, Judi Love, Katie Piper, Kaye Adams, Kelle Bryan, Linda Robson, Nadia Sawalha and Sunetra Sarker.

Tickets are on sale now via livenation.co.uk

Panellists Kaye Adams  reckons things will be a bit different from the weekday show? 

 

She told us: “I'm really, really looking forward to it actually. Obviously, we love the show. It feels like your favourite pair of slippers, in the best possible way, but we're going to have to get our tap shoes on for the tour! Just to take it into a different arena is going to be interesting but also just to feel that buzz in a large theatre of all those people. 

We're going to mix things up a lot more, which I think we're all looking forward to. I think we can be a little freer when we're in a live theatre situation. I think people can expect it to be a ‘very loose’ Loose Women. We want it to be fun and for people to have a great time!”

A live audience will also offer a different dimension to Kaye and the panel. 

 

She explained: “I think it's just going to be amazing on the tour because we obviously have an audience when we’re recording Loose Women and it’s a huge part of the show. It really does give the show a lot of energy. It gives you a lot of information because you can see what resonates with people and what doesn't resonate with them, and the different kinds of reactions to different topics. So to be able to do that on a large scale and just give people a really good night is great. We want the audience to feel part of the experience, rather than watching an experience. That’s 100 per cent what we’re going to be focused on.”

 

Kaye also reckons there could be extra carnage on tour. She said: “How many times are you going to go on tour with a bunch of your mates?  Even for me, who's usually known as the sort of sober one, I think to be in bed at 11 o'clock would be a bit of a tragedy! So hopefully, this will be the ultimate girls’ night out! 

 

“With Judi, Jane and Nadia, [who I’m opening the tour alongside] we know each other very well. We've been away together, for weekends and things. We went to the Cotswolds last year for four nights, which was a riot, I can tell you. So I think you can expect us to be even less discreet than we would normally be!”

Kaye admits she is a tad nervous about going on stage. 

She said: “I expect to be absolutely bricking it. You know, I've got a podcast called ‘How To Be 60’ and we're doing three live shows at the Edinburgh Festival in August. We did a couple last year and I am a bag of nerves because you want people to have a good time and you want to be able to enable that. But also you do need nervous energy because I'm quite a laid back kind of person. I have to almost purposely wind myself up just to give myself that level of energy or it would be dull!”

She said she’ll also be ensuring she brings her dressing gown on tour. 

She said: “I got it when I did Strictly and it’s fabulous and fluffy with my name in gold on the back, so I’ll bring that. 

 

“One of the dates I’m doing will be in Glasgow, where I live, so I’ll sleep in my own bed that night but I will be sleeping in a different bed for the others, which will make me feel 25 again! I have heard that you can get a bus that you can sleep in overnight and, oh my god, that is where I want to be because I want the full Spinal Tap experience. I want to be on the top bunk! I don't think Judi will want the top bunk? Denise might… She is an absolute riot!”

 

For Glasgow Kaye plans of os something extra special. 

She said: “Yes, I’m sure I’ll do something special with the other panellists. Glasgow has been my home for such a long time. I feel so comfortable here. Often it's just the way you speak, the references that you make, and stuff like that. The panel that night are welcome to stay in my house and I will give them very competitive rates for that! 

 

“Do my children really want to come and see their mum cavorting on the stage? I'm not entirely sure…  And Ian would definitely rather be playing tennis. I know I don't watch him play [tennis] so I don't really expect him to come and watch me! “

 

And she said she’ll miss  Bea, her Cockapoo when she is not at home. 

She said: “Bonnie will look after her and Ian takes Bea to the tennis club and she runs about and chases tennis balls all day so she’s quite happy. 

 

Ian and I are both away for work a lot though and it wouldn't work for everybody but I think it works for us. You know, we've been together for 30 years plus… We're never entirely sure because it's so long and can't remember… But it's definitely 30 years plus! We've just always been like that, we've always had our own thing going on and before I had the kids and I was doing Loose Women I was in Manchester from Monday to Friday for a long time and he works a lot in Italy doing tennis stuff so it's just the way that we are. Whether it strengthens us or not I don’t know but I do know that it certainly doesn't damage it [the relationship] because it's just our rhythm!”

 

LOOSE WOMEN LIVE TOUR  2023: 

Fri 01 Sept

Birmingham, Symphony Hall

Sat 02 Sept

Cardiff, St. David's Hall

Sun 03 Sept

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Wed 06 Sept

O2 City Hall Newcastle

Thu 07 Sept

Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall

Fri 08 Sept

Opera House Manchester

Sat 09 Sept

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Thu 14 Sept

Sheffield City Hall

Fri 15 Sept

Leicester, De Montfort Hall

Sat 16 Sept

Ipswich Regent Theatre

Mon 18 Sept

The London Palladium

Thu 21 Sept

Bath, The Forum

Sat 23 Sept

Plymouth Pavilions

Sun 24 Sept

Southampton, Mayflower Theatre

Mon 25 Sept

New Theatre Oxford

Wed 27 Sept

Southend, Cliffs Pavilion

FANCY DINNER WITH A LOVE ISLAND OR TOWIE STAR FOR VALENTINES?

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples and self love is still a thing but for those who don’t want to face dining alone, Italian-American restaurant Frankie & Benny’s has the perfect solution. 

The eaterie is offering a “Take A-Bae” service offering solo guests a date to dine with - including three UK reality TV stars.

 A line-up of friendly-faced dining partners, dubbed “Valentine’s Baes”, will be available in selectedrestaurants on Valentine’s Day (Monday, February 14) to offer customers some company and conversation. Lucky guests will even have the option of dining with one of their favourite reality TV stars.

 Chloe Veitch, of Netflix’s hit Too Hot To Handle, will be a dinner date option in Frankie & Benny’s London restaurant. Meanwhile, in Birmingham, TOWIE’s James Lock will be waiting patiently to accompany lucky singletons at their table. Finally, in Glasgow, diners can choose to spend their Valentine’s Day with Love Islander Dale Mehmet. 

 

Frankie & Benny’s believes Valentine’s Day should be a day where anybody can treat themselves, bae or no bae. But it’s completely understandable not to want to be the only table-for-one in a sea of couples. 

All you need to do is head to one of the above restaurants, choose your dining partner, grab a drink, a bite and relax. 

 

On taking part in the “Take A-Bae” service, Chloe Veitch said: “Why should it just be couples that get to enjoy Valentine’s Day? What about all of us singles? There’s a lot of us out there, I should know!

“I love the idea of this ‘Take A-Bae’ service and giving a bit of love to those who might be solo on the big day. I’m really looking forward to meeting some new people at Frankie & Benny’s on Valentine’s Day and who knows - maybe someone will sweep me off my feet?”

 

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, TOWIE’s James Lock said:“I reckon there’s a lot of people wanting to go out on Valentine’s Day but not bothering because they’re on their own. Hopefully now they might do. I’m good company, easy to talk to and will have a chat with anyone so hopefully I’ll be able to have a bit of a laugh with a few people in Birmingham.

 

One of my first dates was actually at Frankie & Benny’s in Essex, so this will bring back some fun memories.”

 

Love Islander Dale Mehmet said: “Valentine’s Day is always a bit of a sucker punch when you’re single, so I’m excited to play a part in opening the big day up to a few more people. It’s great that Frankie & Benny’s is thinking about those who may be alone but still keen to get out and celebrate.

 

It’ll be good to grab a bite with people on Valentine’s Day. I didn’t have the best of luck finding love on the island so maybe I’ll have a little more luck at Frankie & Benny’s on Monday!”

 

The “Valentine’s Baes” will be in participating Frankie & Benny’s restaurants from 5PM on Monday, February 14:

- Burleigh House, London

- In the Fort, Birmingham

- In the Fort, Glasgow

 

Jon Knight, Managing Director of the leisure & concessions business, said: “This Valentine’s Day we want to make sure we’ve got all our guests covered at Frankie & Benny’s and provide people with comfort food in a welcoming environment, no matter what their relationship status. So, whether you’re single and looking for a date, or would just like to have some company over a meal - we’ll provide the venue, the food and the date (or mate).

CRUISE LOVERS WILL ADORE THIS GREEK DREAM DAY TRIP

We’ve been treading water over these last months but with a green light from London, Greece reopens to British travellers from May 17. 

With tens of thousands of holidays deferred from last summer, and Greece topping the UK charts for new bookings, it’s reasonable to predict that the islands and beaches are going to be busy. 

But for many of us, crowds, queues, masks and enforced social distancing are the irritants of everyday life, so why would we want to encounter them on holiday? 

The Greece of our dreams exists outside the constraints of the pandemic. It’s a place of seas as clear and as blue as the sky; of hidden beaches; and ancient villages untroubled by the anxieties of modern life. 

It’s an empty beach on heart-shaped Daskalio Island; coffee in a fisherman’s café in Napflion with views, literally, of Arcadia; and having heavenly Ververoda Bay all to yourself. 

While others stake their claim on congested beaches, you can have a bit of luxury to yourself with the help of Yannis and Veneta Vasatis of Spetses Cruising. 

They’ve spent 40 years exploring their local waters for the sheer joy of it, and now they’re sharing their knowledge with aficionados in search of the Greece they always suspected was out there but perhaps could never find. 

And they’re doing it in head-turning style, with two state-of-the-art vessels: Nireas, a Nimbus T11 day boat with twin 350hp outboards; and Pytheas, an ultra-high performance 800hp RIB capable of 60 knots. 

Both offer the luxury of a superyacht with the speed and agility of a powerboat on full or half-day trips to the Argolic Gulf, the Athenian Riviera; the Eastern Peloponnese, Saronic gulf and the Western Cycladic islands of Milos, Serifos, Sifnos and beyond.

 Spetses Cruising also offers first-class limousine services, allowing you to start your holiday in style, from the moment your feet land in Greece. 

What you do is up to you – Spetses Cruising promises only that your trip will be “unforgettable, private, bespoke and luxurious” - but Yannis recommends perhaps a picnic on the island of Dokos – population 18; private tours of the citadel town of Monemvasia; visits to a hidden blue bay he describes as “the most wonderful swimming spot in the world”, where the onboard toys, including sea scooters, snorkelling gear and paddle boards, can be deployed; and long lunches at that taverna: the one the superyacht crowd will never find. 

Full day trips inclusive of a tailored itinerary start from around £1700, based of eight sharing, with pickups from Athens, Spetses, Porto Heli, Hydra, Nafplion and Monemvasia.

If you can get the people and the cash together to sounds like an ideal way and the ultimate luxury setting to blow away the lockdown cobwebs - and just think of the Insta pics too. 

 Spetses Cruising

LAURA ANDERSON INTRODUCES NEW FELLA TOM TO PARENTS IN SCOTLAND

Beverley Lyons
LOVE Island’s Laura Anderson has returned from London to Scotland with her new beau - and she introduced hunky Tom Brazier to her dad for the first time since they made their lockdown love public. 
The 32 year old former air hostess who has been living in London got together with fitness coach Tom Brazier during Covid 19 isolation and couldn’t wait to return to her home town of Stirling to introduce him to her dad David in time for Father’s Day. 
Laura revealed that the two lovers were off to Scotland and that her gym instructor man Tom insisted on taking a package full of his own food for the trip. 
She said in an Instagram story: “We’re actually going to Scotland, getting the train and this is what Tom is bringing. That’s his food. Little does he know my dads a feeder.”
Laura and Tom took an Uber from their neighbouring apartments in Chiswick  to London Euston among with Laura’s Pomeranian dog Buddy. 


The two wore face masks and Buddy was strapped to a dog carrier which was fixed at different points to Laura and Tom’s chest, and later lay on the table of the train whole Tom who also posted highlights from the journey on his Insta caught up with some emails. 
As Laura sat back and relaxed in the garden at her dads house in Stirling, she watched him and Tom have a table tennis tournament. Joking that Tom was sh** as he missed the ball, she said it was a ‘Scotland versus England’ match.


She joked: “I’m having a great time.Scotland v England, Tickets for the ping pong show £7.50 guys.”  
It is thought that Laura who said she intended to move back home for good will also visit her mum Barbara Turner, a carer from Glasgow while she is here over the next few days.   
She also managed to spend time with some friends for a birthday party. 
From Scotland with Love

DREAMMAKER CHARITY BOSS LES HOEY MBE SAYS I DO ON FEBRUARY 29

Exclusive 
Beverley Lyons 
DREAMMAKER charity boss Les Hoey MBE couldn’t believe it when his girlfriend of 38 years asked to marry him. 
Scots charity head Les, 58, who has helped to make thousands of dreams of critically ill children come true admits he was so shocked he burst out laughing when his girlfriend Mandy Cunningham proposed to him yesterday. 
Les, who was heartbroken when his son Darren Hoey was found dead in Edinburgh last year, admits he realised life was too short following the tragedy. 
He said: “It’s been thirty eight years Mandy and I have been going out and it’s just been one of those things we’ve left.”
Mandy, 57, a nurse, had returned home from night shift yesterday morning and decided to take advantage of the date - February 29 - a leap year when it is tradition for women to propose to their partners. 
Wishaw based Les said: “Mandy went to work last night and came in from the night shift with a What’s On Tv magazine which has the words ‘Marry Me’ on the front cover. It was in relation to a shock proposal from Coronation Street. Mandy waved the magazine in my face and said ‘Marry Me’ and I burst out laughing. O didn’t know what she was on about snd then it clicked. We’ve always thought about it with Darren dying because life is too short. I said yes and then Mandy went to bed because she’d been working all night. I’m really happy and can’t wait to celebrate with friends and family.”

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Daily Record. 

From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com 

YOUTUBER AND STRICTLY STAR SAFFRON BARKER TALKS LOVE ISLAND’S PAIGE TURLEY

Exclusive 
Beverley Lyons 
STRICTLY star Saffron Barker has given her seal of approval to Scots Love Island contestant Paige Turley. 
YouTuber and dance contestant Saffron is currently in Aberdeen for the live Strictly tour and comes to Glasgow’s SSE Hydro this weekend. 
Speaking about Love Island, she said “I think Connaugh is beautiful, and Callum looks good too.  I’m not going to lie. I like Paige though, I really like Paige. I’ve liked Paige from day dot. No one likes Paige. I loved her from the minute she came in.“
Saffron reckons that Paige had a bad reception because of her constant name dropping  that she was Lewis Capaldi’s ex, but she blames show producers for making her mention him so much. 
She said: I feel like just because she’s Lewis Capaldi’s ex that nobody liked her but the thing is it’s a producer show and she’s going to get told that she has  to say that 1000 times. I really like her as well. I think her and Finn are cute although I’m not being funny I could never date a guy with a foot fetish. I honestly have no idea as to how that girl is doing that, honestly no idea at all because I really just could not. Paige is so chill and she has personality.”
Saffron’s costars have been loving their time  in Aberdeen. 
Dancer Neil Jones and judge Craig Revel Horwood also donned kilts for their first night. 
Neil said: “I have a surprise costume for you Aberdeen.” as fans teased if he was a true Scotsman. 
Katya Jones also had a tour of local hotspots including St Machars Cathedral, Aberdeen University, Kings college, Seaton Park and the Brig of Balgownie. She said: “Aberdeen is gorgeous.”
Cath Tyldesley enjoyed a breakfast fry up with two portions of black pudding ahead of her double shows yesterday and also put on a Scots accent ahead of her appearance. Sounding like Lorraine Kelly she said: “You know where we are don’t you. We’re in Aberdeen and I'm absolutely loving Aberdeen. 
Promising a show full of sparkle glitter and campiness she said: “We want you to cheer your socks off. Come on Aberdeen don’t let us down. Your auntie Cath loves you.”
As dancer Karen Hauer showed off some of her stretches on a tartan carpet, Dancer AJ Pritchard also embraces the city. As he sang along to the tune of Summer Holiday how we he admitted he was going to feel cold with the temperature at minus three.
The Strictly stars hit Glasgow on Saturday and Sunday. 

ROD STEWART JOINS HOST OF FOOTBALL STARS TO PAY TRIBUTE TO GLASGOW MUM

ROD Stewart paid tribute to a very special member of Celtic Park - and serenaded her before telling her he loved her.
In an exclusive video to honour Glasgow's Angela Thomson who celebrated thirty years of working behind the scenes at Parkhead, Rod gave a tour of his Celtic themed home gym.
Standing by a Celtic flagpole, he welcomed her to his gym decked out with Hoops scarves and placques and said: "Angie its Rod. It's raining. Come into the gym. Come quickly. Come on in. This is my gym. Angie, I just wanted to thank you for your thirty years to the best football team - not always the best football team but certainly the best club in the world. You've been absolutely wonderful. What would we have done without you? I wish I could have been there for you but I'm away tonight to the south of France for a rest but I love you and I'll see you soon. I'm going to bring you up a present and I'm going to sing a song as well."
After singing the opening verse of 'Have I told you lately that I love you?' Rod added: "See you soon Angie. Take care darling. Love you"
The brilliant video and night was organised by Made In Scotland and Celtic Former Players Association with Spirit Aid and was one of the largest events in Celtic Park's function rooms with a whopping five hundred and fifty guests.
Rod wasn't the only celebrity to pay his respects to Angie who has kept the players strips clean and smart over the years.
It was like a Who's Who of the clubs history as over 100 past and present names and four ex managers turned up to honour Her.
John Hartson, Henrik Larson, Jackie McNamara, Neil Lennon, Frank McAvennie, Gordon Strachan and Martin O Neill were amongst those who paid tribute to Angie in the flesh alongside the current squad and Brendan Rodgers. Pierre van Hooijdonk, Peter Lawwell and Lubo Moravcik also sent special video messages to Angie as she is affectionately known.
The 59 year old started off in catering before moving to the clubs laundrette.
Angie's daughter said: "It was amazing for us to see how well respected Angela is and to see how many people love her. She is so special to us.
"She thought she was going to a Celine Dione tribute night and was in shock when she saw a big picture of herself on screen. I was blown away too. She's been with the club for 30 years and she started with catering and then went to work in laundry."
Ex player Joe Miller who heads up the Former Celtic Players Association said: "It was a great event and pretty touching as well. Angie started at the club the same time as I started at Celtic and used to help Neil Mochan who was kit manager at the time. She's a great character and has looked after everyone. She's an important part of the club and has played a huge part in the players lives and made an impression. You could rely on her if you needed anything signed - even once you left the club. A lot of people who work at the club are unsung heroes and Angie comes under that category. She is at the heart of the club.
Players flew in from around the world to be with her."
Jacqueline Doherty from Made In Scotland who put together the videos for the event said: "Getting Rod was the icing on the cake and we compiled a potted thirty year history for this lady. It was wonderful."
Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Scottish Sun
From Scotland with Love - The Showbiz Lion.

LIZ HURLEY: SCOTS STAR SAM HEUGHAN IS MY CRUSH

OUTLANDER actor Sam Heughan has a new admirer in the form of Austin Powers actress and Estée Lauder model Liz Hurley.
The Royals star Liz admitted she was a huge fan of Scottish born Sam who is thirty seven years old but was worried he might be too young for her.
Liz, 52, who use to date Love Actually star Hugh Grant said: "I’ve currently got a crush on Sam Heughan, who stars in my favourite TV series, Outlander. He’s a big, sexy Scot but, sadly, much too young for me."
Sam has a 28 year old girlfriend Mackenzie Mauzy who he has been dating for several months.
It looks like the couple are still going strong after they were pictured together last week at Silverstone race track wishing the F1 team Sahara Force India the best of luck in Hungary.
Liz is currently single and certainly hasn't ruled out going with someone younger. She previously said in an interview: "Most of the people I meet also have ex-girlfriends or ex-wives and children. You have to accept that, or start dating men in their 20s, which is absurd. Though, I tell you, Joan Collins is married to a fabulous man 32 years younger than her. In which case, I can date an 18-year-old...anything goes

CHAKA KHAN GETS THE DISCO BALL ROLLING IN GLASGOW

AIN'T nobody does it better than Chaka Khan and the veteran disco queen proved it in more ways than one with a disco balling set at Kelvingrove bandstand.
As the crowds over spilled onto the streets of Kelvin Way, a determined Chaka was on fire as she performed a greatest hits set of her hottest anthems from over the years.
The crowd were always going to be in the palm of this icon's hands on this perfect summer evening which saw Jazzie B warm up the sun blessed crowds with a rhythmical DJ set before Chaka herself took over,
And as she took to the stage with a historic back catalogue the ten time Grammy award winner was a real powerhouse as she effortlessly belted through her hits.
The sound was a mix of disco infused soul and funk which saw Chaka free flow her notes from high to low.
Starting with the funky and smooth Do You Love What You Feel it was only a matter of time before Chaka sprang into hits You Got The Love, and I'm Every Woman, Chaka's original hit in 1978 which was later covered as a huge dance track by the late great Whitney Houston.
 Ain't Nobody, complete with lunging dance moves, was rolled out for the witching hour with the audience singing and bopping along to every word.
Us Glasgolians, as Chaka so eloquently called us, knew we were in the presence of greatness as the 64 year old showed us how to do things according to the Queen of Funk.
We didn't want the party to end as we left the West End amphitheatre so we didn't stop. A street sound system gave us the beats as we partied on for an impromptu street fest showing the world that love prevails over evil at a time when terrorist factions are trying to stifle us.

TK MAXX OPENS EDINBURGH STORE DURING FRINGE

The Fringe is in full swing and one retailer is taking full advantage of the fact by opening up a new store in Scotland's capital.
Performers, as well as punters, always need new clothes and accessories - and the new TK Maxx in Edinburgh is sure to cater for Showbiz types as well as those who are a little less extrovert.
The brand new TK Maxx store is coming to the capital's St Andrew Square on August 18 creating 120 new jobs at the same time.
The new store will be situated on South St David Street and span 1,979 sq metres.
The showbizlion is a big fan of TK's as we like to call it and we recently enjoyed some amazing goodies at a pop up store ahead of the new store launch.
The new central location store  offers big labels and designer gems at up to 60% less than the RRP and at a significant discount to the price on the high street, every single day. for us fashionista types there's a huge selection of fashion, jewellery and accessories for women, men and kids as well as homeware. With several deliveries arriving every week bringing thousands of new items to store, there will always be something new and exciting to discover which means we will always have something to wear to our parties.
TK Maxx told theshowbizlion.com: “We’re very excited to be opening our fifth store in Edinburgh, this time bringing TK Maxx into the centre of the city. TK Maxx is a store that offers a huge choice of great value style for the wardrobe and home interiors all under one roof and all at up to 60% less. With new items arriving each week, it creates the treasure hunt experience our customers love and means they will always find something new, individual and special at a great price.”
If you are interested in applying for a position at the brand new TK Maxx store, please visit
www.tjxeurope.com/careers for further information.


- The Showbizlion.com - With love from Scotland

BEN HAENOW PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE SCOTS FUNDRAISER

SINGER Ben Haenow paid tribute to the late Donna Mortimer Ballantyne after he appeared at a fundraiser in her honour.
The former X Factor winner was a special guest at the Thistle Hotel and helped raise a whopping £164,000 to help the Kilbryde Hospice in memory of the late Bothwell born businesswoman, who died aged 39 after being diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
Donna raised funds to help the build of Kilbride hospice before her death, and her family, who own Lynnet Leisure, parent company of well-known Glasgow restaurants and clubs 29, Rogano and One Up, continue to work in her name.
Ben, who performed for VIPs on the night including new Rangers manager Mark Warburton and some of Celtic's finest, said of Donna: "This lady did such a lot of amazing things for charity and helped with charities in the West of Scotland and she helped to raise money to build Kilbryde hospice and continues to do lots even after she sadly passed away.


He added: "My granddad passed away not too long ago and was in a hospice. It does happen and the importance of this thing is that it does touch somebody at some point in their lives. At some time we know someone who has been affected from it and it's a great thing to help with it and raise money for any kind of charity.
"I've visited a few hospices, some purely for children which is quite a tough thing to see but to see the quality these hospices give people towards the end of their lives and the support they for to everyone around is a great thing and a really important network."
Ben is due to appear at Hamilton racecourse this Thursday and admitted he loves visiting Scotland
He said: "I've been in Glasgow many a times before and the crowds are cool. We were here for the X Factor tour for two days and we went out on one of the nights. But I can't give too much away about it. We're doing a lot of things just now and have a lot of gigs set up for the summer. I'm in talks about recording a new EP too."



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

COLDPLAY BRING LOVE TO HAMPDEN

Maria Callas kicked off Coldplay's biggest gig in Scotland yet and we knew were in for a night of classics.
Classic partying.
For a band that is often misrepresented as being boring and bland, Chris showed his sold out crowd at Glasgow's Hampden Stadium that he has more charisma in his little pinkie than his detractors.
A Head Full of Dreams, the title track of the tour came before anthemic Yellow which got the crowd singing along.



Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall gave them more of the same and Paradise proved to be a full on party track which even had Chris dancing along the runway.
A touching tribute to Muhammud Ali came with a moving video of the Greatest man himself and later in the set Chris paid tribute to David Bowie with his own rendition of Heroes.


The crowd was warmed up and then we all exploded with joy along with the confetti cannons as we went into true party mode on the A stage with a run of the biggies Clocks, Hymn For The Weekend, Viva La Vida and Adventure For A Lifetime.


Giant bouncing balls were thrown about the stadium as everyone jumped up and down with glee like excited teenagers at their first school dance.
And then Chris and co disappeared off the stage only to reappear on an even smaller stage towards the back of the stadium giving seated guests an even better view.


He sang Amazing Grace before giving one lucky Scots fan a song she requested on Instagram.
The canons boomed, the confetti fell, the pyros blazed, the lasers blasted and Hampden was filled with love.
A sea of neon armbands waved for Up and Up, bathing the stadium in a rainbow and it was the perfect end to a brilliant day.



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

ITS DEFINITELY TAPS AFF AS BIFFY CLYRO READ WEATHER

BIFFY Clyro raised temperatures around the country when they took over BBC Weather.
The three lads from Ayrshire were special guest presenters on Radio 1 when they decided to invade the BBC Breakfast Weather studios downstairs and stand in front of the green screen.
Simon Neil and Twins Ben and James Johnston looked in their element as they predicted the climate for this weekends Big Weekend in Exeter.
Interrupting the forecast by Carol Kirkwood, Simon said: "Hold on just one second here. Did you just say Radio 1's Big Weekend? We are going to take Exeter Castle and we are going to raise that temperature. Twenty, that's a forecast but once we play what is it going to be James?"
James replied: "It's going to be screaming hot."
Simon then asked: "Carol do you think it is going to be hot when we play?
Carol replied: "Scorchio."
He then asked: "Ben what do you think it's going to be like? And Ben replied: "Really warm."
Simon laughed: "On a scale of one to ten we feel really happy. Weather is a state of mind."




- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

YO! SUSHI GETS EVEN MORE AUTHENTIC WITH MENU AT NEWCASTLE LAUNCH

YO! Sushi has launched a brand new menu along with flagship stores in Sydney, Paris, Boston, New York, London and the rest of the UK.
The 100-dish Taste Of Tokyo menu boasts authentic dishes and brings the restaurant chain bang up to date with all things cool Japan.
As a big lover of sushi and YO!'s conveyer (kaiten) belt which tempts diners by showing them endless streams of appetising grub, (veteran telly fans think edible Generation Game) the Showbiz Lion was thrilled to be invited down to the new Flagship store in Newcastle.
Of course we're regulars at the Edinburgh Harvey Nicks store as well as the Buchanan Street and Silverburn stores in Glasgow but it's always nice to travel, especially to Geordie Shore land.
The store there boasts a flagship 69-cover restaurant on Grainger Street in the heart of the city, and the opening party was something else.
Walking in, it felt like we'd just landed in Tokyo.
Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku
Lovers could have been at the next table while K Poppers SuJu and bands like Baby Metal might have been in the booth opposite.



The interior takes inspiration from the city’s unmistakable street culture and creative energy and features a slogan wall which runs the full length of the restaurant, capturing the essence of life in this unique, fast moving, neon metropolis.



The food wasn't just raw fish - and our party got tucked into beef and numerous deep fried chicken wings as well as salmon, edemame beans and dumplings. Oh and there were cocktails and authentic Japanese beer too.
The opening party boasted a visit from Miss Newcastle herself as well as a DJ set from Let There Be House master of the decks Glen Horsborough.


Founded in 1997, six million guests now dine in YO! Sushi every year, and the numbers are set to increase.
We Gaijins (Japanese word for foreigners) were made to feel right at home and with a 'Wey Aye Man' here and there we soon got the party started.


Highlights on the new TASTE OF TOKYO menu include:


Okonomiyaki - Hot on the food scene in Tokyo, Okonomiyaki is a popular street food consisting of batter and cabbage served with a variety of toppings. Okonomiyaki translated into English means "As- you-like-it Pancake". Full of flavour, YO! Sushi’s Okonomiyaki is topped with mayo, katsu sauce, spring onion, aonori, beni shoga & katsuoboshi.


Chazuke - A traditional Japanese rice dish made with green tea, Chazuke has been served in Tokyo for centuries. It is the simplest of pleasures and is now available for the first time at YO! Sushi where it is served with nori, sesame paste, salmon & sea bass, oba leaf, yuzu koshu furikake seasoning & umami dashi.


Ginza Roll – As exclusive as the district it’s named after in Tokyo – this new roll contains fresh salmon, cream cheese, cucumber and arenkha caviar. Finished by rolling in crispy shallots and drizzled with teriyaki, sriracha & Japanese mayo.


Buta No Kakuni - A Tokyo classic! Always the first thing our group executive chef orders in a restaurant, try this slow braised pork belly and daikon in a sweet soy sauce with rice.



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

NO DOWNTON ABBEY VOICES AS STILL GAME RETURNS TO NETWORK

Beverley Lyons
STILL Game is finally returning to our screens after a nine year gap and although Isa will now be using Google and the show will now be networked Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill reckon the series will remain the same.
It's the news we've all been waiting for as BBC Scotland’s iconic comedy series returns to BBC One this year with a new six-parter starring all the original cast.
The new series will film from July 4 at BBC Scotland’s Dumbarton Studios in a purpose built set – the first time the comedy has filmed there – and will air on BBC One later in 2016.
Ford told the showbizlion: "Time has moved on but Jack and Victor's age hasn't. We're hoping to get back and that the audience are as comfy as they are when we left, like pulling on an old pair of slippers or going into a warm bath.
"Greg said: "It's the longest that we've probably ever spent on one series of Still Game. We started writing scripts in November and are filming in July so we wanted to get it exactly right. It's as if no time has passed from 2007 till now. "
"I don't know about it being funnier than ever really, but we are happy with the scripts. We worked harder on them than before. We were on a treadmill before and have had a lot of time to polish these scripts and get it right for newer audience and keep the chore audience happy."
Ford and Greg will reunite to play pensioners Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade for the sitcom which last aired on BBC One in 2007. The new series will also see the return of Still Game favourites Jane McCarry as Isa, Sanjeev Kohli as Navid, Gavin Mitchell as Bobby, Paul Riley as Winston and Mark Cox as Tam.
The series will now be networked but Ford and Greg claim they're not about to get posher or use subtitles so others can understand their Glasgow accents.
Ford said: "We're not going to start talking like Downton Abbey."
Greg added: "The show is what it is. We've been at great pains to look after our core audience. We've tried to expand it as well."
Ford joked: "There are lines like (in posh accent) 'I'm just nipping down to Navids for some totties' but we are trying to keep it down to a minimum. We couldn't possibly do it. They asked us to do the network for what is is not what it might become."
The two Scots talents can't wait to get their make up on to play their older counterparts but they admit they need less slap than when they first started.
Greg said: You can step back into the characters but we need less make up now."
Ford laughed: "When we started doing the characters at the Edinburgh festival we took two hours to get our make up on and when we did the Hydro it was forty minutes.
Greg added: "It's unique in that sense that we can park it and return.
We don't want to leave it for another nine years again. We love it and the rest of cast and Audience who watch it love it too. Hopefully they are back for good.
Ford joked: "It's always difficult to tell the mortgage people you've taken nine years off. I'm probably the only person whose used PPI."
The lads also claim the series will be updates slightly to fit in with modern times.
Greg said: "Time has moved on and the world turn and we will turn and there are contemporary issues like demolition and the changing face of the community. Isa has the internet and was Google before Google existed. There will be nods to those kind of things because we live in the present day.
Ford chipped in: "You could make a Scottish search engine and call it Isa."
He added: “We’re super happy to come back with the show - we had no idea how much it had been missed until we played the Hydro! Myself and Greg are really excited about getting the gang together again and we are putting our all in to make our fantastic audience feel like we’ve never been away.”
Greg Smiled: "We are thrilled to be given this opportunity, with the full support of the BBC Network, to don the bunnets once more! On behalf of all the cast, I'd like to thank Still Game fans for keeping the show alive after all these years. We'll save a seat for you in the Clansman."
The new series of Still Game will be a BBC in-house production and was commissioned by Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy Commissioning. Shane welcomes a Still Game reunion. He said: “A comedy phenomenon, Still Game’s return is much-anticipated as we, once again, meet up with Jack, Victor and their friends. The new series revisits one of the most iconic comedies of its time, a show which holds a very special place in the hearts of our audience. Ford and Greg are an exceptionally talented writing partnership and we’re looking forward to catching up with Jack and Victor after all these years.”
Ewan Angus, BBC Scotland’s Commissioning Editor, TV and Still Game executive producer added: “It’ll be fantastic to see Ford, Greg and the rest of the gang getting up to more comedy capers in Craiglang. Our audiences love Still Game. Whenever we show past episodes we are guaranteed big audiences and I know this new series will again delight Still Game’s legions of fans.”
The new six-part series will be executive produced by Ewan Angus, BBC Scotland and Steven Canny, BBC Comedy. It will be directed by long-time Still Game collaborator Michael Hines and produced by Jacqueline Sinclair.
Following a mammoth 21-night run of live shows at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro Arena in 2015, audiences have been waiting in anticipation for Still Game to make its TV return.
The original run of the sitcom, which stars Kiernan and Hemphill as evergreen Glaswegian pensioners Jack and Victor, aired for six series between 2002 and 2007, transferring from BBC Scotland to BBC Two. The new series of Still Game will air on BBC One network when it returns later this year.



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

GIRLS NIGHT OOT PERFORMER FENDS OFF STAGE INVADER WITH GIANT WILLY

The Scottish premiere of Girls Night Oot at Glasgow's Webster Theatre was a resounding success and even saw one enthusiastic audience member try to storm the stage.
The bolshy and bantertastic musical sequel to stage hit I Will Survive tells the story of four girls on a hen night.
With songs from the 60’s,70’s, 80’s, 90’s and now, it managed to get everyone dancing in the aisles.
Producer director Paul Harper Swan and his Inside Out Production team provided plenty of laughs with cheeky new lyrics to accompany popular tunes like Steelers Wheel's Stuck In The Middle and Katy Perry's I Kissed A Girl.


During a rendition of ABBA's Man After Midnight one man got hauled up on stage to be a stripper while the encore saw one over zealous audience member trying to get up on stage.
As she attempted to jump up and join the cast during their rendition of Tina Turner's Proud Mary she was fended off by one of the cast - Lauren Ellis-Steele - who played the bride to be - wielding an inflatable penis!
Sex mad Donna Hazelton, and the hilarious Alison Rona Cleland, joined Britney wannabe Natalie Tulloch in the supporting roles.
The show continues at Webster theatre in Friday and Saturday April 15 and 16 before heading to other Scots theatres below.
It's a wee bit naughty but a great night out for the gals.

23 April-Cumbernauld Theatre
1 May-Oran Mor
5 May-MacRobert
6 May-Rutherglen Town Hall
27 May-Howden Park
13 August-Glenrothes
4 September-Oran Mor
1 October-Eastwood Park Theatre
28 October-Byre Theatre

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

CALVIN GETS THUMBS UP FROM SELENA

CALVIN Harris has another admirer in the form of Selena Gomez.
The singer has admitted she thinks the Dumfries born hit maker is 'wonderful'.
The 23-year-old singer hung out with close friend Taylor Swift and her DJ man at the iHeartRadio Music Awards last weekend and said: "He's great, honestly, he's such a wonderful guy."
Hands to Myself singer Selena also told Entertainment Tonight that social networking can cause issues.
She explained: "I'm very lucky that I have the platform I have, but on social media, as much as it's a blessing and it's fun, it can really tear people down.
"I always hope the people I'm involved with, and who support me, can just kind of spread love within that. It's hard."

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

ASHTON KUTCHER AND MILA KUNIS SWAPPED EASTER EGGS FOR RAISINS

ASHTON Kutcher and Mila Kunis gave their daughter raisins and breakfast cereal instead of chocolate eggs for Easter.
The Hollywood actor who is married to Mila Kunis didn't want his 18-month-old daughter to have too much sugar.
He said: "We didn't want to put candy in because she's one and a half and she's not quite ready. We're not quite ready for her to be ready for candy, so we did Cheerios and raisins. She loved the raisins. She was going ape for the raisins."
Ashton and Mila got their knickers in a twist over how to explain the Easter Bunny to their baby.
He explained to Jimmy Kimmel: "We actually were debating whether or not we were going to explain that a bunny was laying eggs. So, we had a legitimate conversation as to whether or not we're going to go down that path. Like, we think we're going Santa Claus, but we don't know about the bunny. It's tough because it's like, 'Why is a bunny laying eggs? Mommy, does a bunny lay eggs?' ... 'No, but the Easter Bunny does.' And then it becomes a whole thing. And what does that have to do with Jesus coming back from the dead?"

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

LORRAINE KELLY TALKS EXERCISE AND HER HOPES FOR DUNDEE UNITED

LORRAINE Kelly reckons there is no point to exercise unless you love it - though she's not sure if football is ticking all her boxes right now.
The morning telly queen has slimmed down and toned up recently thanks to zumba classes and she believes everyone should keep fit in a way they enjoy.
 Lorraine who was a host at the recent Sunday Post Broons awards in Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel said: "I have lost weight and toned up doing zumba and found an amazing instructor Maxine Jones who helps me. I go to two classes a week and love it . You have to find exercise you love otherwise there is no point and you will not do it."
 Lorraine might be based in London every week but she admits she comes back to Scotland most weekends now - sometimes to watch her beloved Scots footie team play.
She said: "I'm just doing the show and enjoying myself and just love it. I always come home at the weekends, almost every weekend, usually to see Dundee United which at the moment is not doing great but will get better. The only way is up when you're at the bottom".

CALVIN GIVES TAYLOR CAKE AND LOCKET FOR ANNIVERSARY

CALVIN Harris and Taylor Swift celebrated their one year anniversary by having their cake and eating it.
The two musical lovebirds met at The Elle Style Awards 12 months ago after their mutual pal Ellie Goulding introduced them to one another.
It might have been Mother's Day yesterday but it was more like lovers day for Scots producer and UberDJ Calvin who decided to get Taylor something extra sweet to celebrate their time together.
He posted up a video on Snapchat of the said chocolate cake with white icing spelling 1 Year and two jelly red hearts and as Taylor nodded happily he said: "One year. We got a one year cake, one year."

The pressie came as fans speculated whether the couple had become engaged after Taylor sported a new ring on her finger in recent pictures.
In actual fact Taylor was rocking a new piece of jewellery instead late last night, She showed off a beautiful golden locket with the date 3.6.15 to mark the original date she and Calvin got together ,along with the message 'One year down!"
Wonder what she got Calvin?