SCOTS BGT WINNER JAI MCDOWALL NEEDS NOSE JOB

SCOTS BGT winner Jai McDowall says he is having to undergo nose surgery to help his singing career.
Jai who won the TV talent show in 2011 claims his performances have been affected by a deviated septum which has caused him nasal blockages resulting in pre show nerves.
He also says he's fed up with photographers photoshopping his nose.
Jai said: "I've been singing for twenty one years and broke my nose as a teenager before someone broke my nose again in a pub fight seven years ago. I went to the doctor at the time and he was going to break it again to reset it but it never happened. I thought everything was fine but in the last six months my nose has been getting blocked up all the time and
I've been waking up with a sore throat.


It's been making it hard to sing and I've suffered from anxiety about not being able to sing before performances."
He added:'"I've also had photo shoots, where the photographer has changed the appearance of my nose which has been a bit insulting."
Jai, who has been on a keep fit drive and is trying to get his career back on track, recently had an audition for Les Miserables in London's West end but was suffering from severe congestion beforehand.
He said: "I've recently been recording in LA and have a few big work things coming up so I have to get my nose seen to now."
The Ayrshire born singer who has just turned thirty admitted he contemplated getting surgery done abroad before friends talked him out of it.
He said: "I've missed several appointments in Ayrshire with an Ear nose and throat specialist through my doctor as a result of work commitments and can't afford too leave it any longer. I thought about going abroad to get it done privately but friends told me some horror stories and there is not necessarily proper after care
I've now been consulting with Mr Ray from Glasgows's Elanic Clinic. Mr Ray is one of the leading cosmetic surgeons in the UK with a specialist interest in Rhinoplasty and used to work at the world renowned Canniesburn Unit of the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He talked me through everything and also showed me how my nose would look from all angles on a specialist 3D Vectra simulation system.
I'm set to have surgery in the first week of April and will go to hospital to have it done. I am a bit nervous because my nose is a big part of me but I know it's the right thing to do. I'm hoping my nose will be all ready by the time the new series of BGT is aired next month."
















- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

MEZZE BRINGS GREEK AND TURKISH TASTES TO THE CLYDESIDE

GLASGOW may not always bring sunshine but now we can pretend to bask in the heat of the Mediterranean – with the new Mezze restaurant.
The stylish restaurant and bar has officially opened down by the Clyde on the top floor of the North Rotunda.
It's perfect for pre concert grub before a night at the SEC Hydro with a real range of dishes from nibbles to full on mains. The split-level bustling contemporary foodie oasis offers impressive seafood dishes, mouthwatering chargrilled meats and kebabs alongside spectacular views out across the River Clyde.
And for veggies or those with gluten free requirements there are plenty of options like hummus, aubergine and tzatziki dips to make sure you have a plate smashing time.



Led by head chefs, Alex Lioly and Ridi Mukja, their modern dishes shine on the menu, as Mezze showcases the diverse Mediterranean culture and landscape – with Greek, Cypriot, Ionian islands and Turkish influences that reinvent classic fare.
The dishes – a combination of small and big plates have been created to share and to complement the casual, laid-back atmosphere and vibe of the space.
Sharing specialities include whole chargrilled sea bream, slow-cooked kleftiko lamb shoulder – a real show stopper, slow cooked chicken tava stews, and seafood saganaki stews that are perfect for bringing friends and family together.


Designed by CM Design Consultants, the 60-seater restaurant boasts postcard blue walls, comfortable and colourful fabric and leather booths and white washed tables and chairs that will transport you to port of Thessaloniki whilst you dine.
For drinkers, a relaxing bar area is set under a spectacular Santorini-inspired blue dome feature ceiling that provides a dreamy oasis for cocktails or a quiet glass of wine before or after dinner.


Greek beers and lagers come in all different grades from super light and fruity to something a little punchier.
Restaurateurs, Kevin Campbell and Toni Carbajosa – who own Greek-Cypriot restaurant Halloumi and Rioja tapas and cocktail bar in Finnieston are thrilled to open the doors.
Kevin Campbell said: "Modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine is making waves at the moment and we wanted to create a dining space that pays homage to our chefs heritage. Ridi and Alex have created dishes that reinvent what they ate growing up in with a twist and the result is modern and fresh.
“Sharing is a culinary tradition and we wanted our guests to come and experience the magic of Mezze and feel as if they've stepped into the warmth of the Mediterranean Aegean sea.”


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

DEACON BLUE FANS REBEL AT GLASGOW FILM THEATRE

DEACON Blue fans caused a revolt in a Glasgow cinema when ushers repeatedly told them to sit down during a film about the band.
The Scots group were airing the world premiere of their Live At The Glasgow Barrowlands documentary at Glasgow Film Theatre when some people in the audience tried to get up and dance.
As one woman got on her feet to the song Wages Day in the warehouse cinema, strict ushers attempted to get her to sit down only to be met with a wave of loud boos before the rest of the crowd got up from their seats in defiance in time for the anthem Dignity.
The cinema ended up like a mini version of the legendary Barrowlands venue without the spilled pints.
Following the showing, a thrilled Ricky Ross who admitted he was initially sceptical about the event said: "Seeing the audience reaction in the cinema was amazing. I remember years ago going to see Gandhi at the Odeon down the road and I'd never been to a film where they clapped at half time and at the end.
A friend of mine said at the time:'You were obviously never at the pictures on a Saturday morning. It was like that every Saturday when they were at the Western.".
Singer Lorraine Macintosh who is also married to Ricky added: "l've just watched Deacon Blue in concert for the first time. It was a very bizarre experience sitting there and during half of it, well most of it, I was looking at it through my finger's then I realised we're actually at a Deacon Blue gig tonight. I loved it. I'm not sure if I'd pay for it but I loved it."
Drummer Dougie Vipond added: "You've probably noticed Jim Prime isn't here. We could make something up but the truth is actually better. His mum is looking after his dog tonight so he had to get back and take his dog for a walk.
He added: "I think it was really important for us to play a gig in the Barrowlands because we finished in 1994 with a gig in the Barrowlands so it was a hugely emotional evening for all of us. It was a great night but I remember being in the dressing room beforehand in floods of tears so to go back it was hugely important."



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

WILL TAKE THAT BE WEARING KILTS TO TAKE PART IN SCOTTISH CHARITY KILT WALK?

TAKE That might well give true Scotsmen a run for their money after backing Scotland's famous Kiltwalk.
The trio did their own cover version of The Proclaimers I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) alongside ITV Breakfast’s LA correspondent Ross King to encourage punters to sign up for the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk which takes place next month.
Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen join other celebs including actor Gerard Butler and comedian Kevin Bridges in support of the charity.
Mark Owen who used to come up to Scotland regularly during his solo career said: " Is it about walking in a kilt? I'd like to."
Kiltwalkers won’t need to walk 500 miles, but 23 miles for the Mighty Stride, 15 miles for the Big Stroll or six miles for the Wee Wander in four Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks this year.
For every pound raised by walkers, £1.10 will go to charity. This comes after Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation generously pledged that 110% of all fundraising at each of the four 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events will go to charity.
Whether a walker raises £10 or £100 or more The Hunter Foundation will add 10% to their fundraising total with absolutely no limit.
Paul Cooney, Chief Executive of the Kiltwalk said: “It’s brilliant that the Take That lads are encouraging fans to walk. Our ambition is to turn the Kiltwalk into Scotland’s largest mass participation event, so this kind of support is invaluable.
"With the Glasgow Kiltwalk just a month away, we’re asking Scots to choose a charity close to their hearts and sign-up for the Kiltwalk to help raise vital funds. The efforts from walkers will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of so many. And with the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk open to all charities there has never been a better time to get your kilt on.”
Funds raised at the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk went to 282 Scottish children’s charities in 2016. This year, even more people will be able to benefit as the Kiltwalk is now open to every Scottish charity.
Kiltwalk has raised more than £3.5 million for Scottish charitable causes since 2011. The dates for the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk 2017, are: Glasgow (April 30), Aberdeen (June 4), Dundee (August 20) and Edinburgh (September 17).
This year’s fundraising will be further boosted by a pledge from Platinum Sponsors Arnold Clark that one lucky Kiltwalker from each of the four 2017 events will win a brand new Renault Clio.
All you need to do is register to take part in any 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk and start fundraising to be in with the chance of winning the car.
Those who choose to walk for the Kiltwalk itself will know that everything they raise will be distributed through the STV Children’s Appeal.
Walkers can choose to walk the Mighty Stride (23 miles), the Big Stroll (15 miles) or the Wee Wander (6 miles) so people of all ages and abilities can take part.
To sign up for any of the four Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks simply visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

WET WET WET WILL BE KINGS OF EDINBURGH CASTLE THIS SUMMER

WET Wet Wet will celebrate thirty years of their classic debut album Popped In Souled Out by taking over the stage at Edinburgh Castle.
Marti Oellow and the lads will play the famed Edinburgh landmark on Saturday July 15.
With huge hits including three UK No.1’s – ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’; ‘Goodnight Girl’; and ‘Love Is All Around’, the Glasgow lads have made an incredible impact with their music over the years, making them one of the most successful bands in British pop history.
Marti Pellow said: “It was a major career highlight when we took to the stage at Edinburgh Castle some 25 years ago. We are honoured to be asked back and it is sure to be a special moment when we take to the stage again.”
Graeme Clark added: “We’re coming back to the Capital to celebrate the anniversary of our Popped In Souled Out album and to do it on this scale at Edinburgh Castle some 30 years after its release is incredible.”
Tommy Cunningham can't wait to return and enthused: “It’s going to be some night! Playing live is what we love doing most and you never know, there might even be the odd wee splash of tartan just like there was last time!”
And Neil Mitchell said: “To get to play those classic pop songs in such an iconic venue will make it an amazing day for us and the fans.”
Having sold in excess of 15 million singles and albums to date, featured in the UK official singles and album charts for over an immense 500 weeks, the band have played to more than four million people in dozens of countries around the world.
Mark Mackie, director of Castle Concerts said: “It is with great delight we are able to announce today that pop sensations Wet Wet Wet will be the fourth act to play Edinburgh Castle this July. Its only taken us 25 years to get the band to come back and play this truly unique venue.Over the years, Edinburgh Castle has played host to many international stars such as Rod Stewart, Blondie, Elton John, The Proclaimers, Leonard Cohen, Stereophonics, Sir Tom Jones and Pink. Wet Wet Wet join Emeli Sande, Olly Murs and Deacon Blue at this world-renowned venue this year.”
The lads set a record by playing ten sold out shows at Glasgow’s SECC in 1995, when they were officially the most popular live act in the UK - even out-selling the Rolling Stones who were also on tour that year. Their most ‘2016 Big Picture Tour’ was an extensive 17-date arena tour that culminated in a sold out show at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. The tour reached as far south as Plymouth and as far north as Inverness whilst covering all of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, giving fans all over the country the chance to see the band live. For the anniversary ‘Popped In Souled Out’ is being re-released as a 5 disk super deluxe edition that includes unreleased and rare material along with many extras. The band will be performing tracks from their classic debut at Edinburgh Castle as well as their greatest hits from over the past three decades.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 31th MARCH AT 9 am
Online: www.ticketmaster.com www.seetickets.com
Over the phone: Ticket hotline 0844 844 0444
In person:
Tickets Scotland Edinburgh, 127 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DT
Tickets Scotland Glasgow, 237 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL
The Hub Tickets, 348-350 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE
Grouchos, Dundee, 132 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4ED
Tickets are NOT available from Edinburgh Castle Box Office
https://www.facebook.com/edinburghcastleconcerts




- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

GLASGOW JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF DEPECHE MODE AS THEY STORM THE BARROWLANDS

ENJOY the silence became an ironic title to an encore that was anything but quiet as Depeche Mode rounded off a thrilling set at the Barrowlands.
Dave Gahan, Martin and Andy last played the legendary Glasgow venue in 1984 and whipped us all into a frenzy as they were unleashed upon the crowd once again.
Only 1400 of us were lucky enough to gain entry to the hallowed space but unlimited access was given online to those not jammy enough to nab a ticket.
Those who were there knew how fortunate they were and the excitement was truly palpable as the electro pioneers took to the stage for BBC 6 Music Fest.
This was history in the making.
Set opener Going Backwards set the precedent for the evening as the trio performed newer tracks before heading backwards to where it all began.
The song from new album Spirit was a commentary on our way of life now, where technology appears to set us back rather than take us forward, but then Depeche Mode have always been visionaries
So Much Love was also new but had the synthy stamp of the eighties as we were taken on a journey of old and new.
The crowd lapped up every pulsating beat as Dave camply wiggled his hips and strutted around the stage.
The once cute fresh faced frontman was now more akin to a rock God with his moves as he gyrated and stomped, waving his arms around manically.
We may not have been treated to Just Cant Get Enough but tracks like World In My Eyes from the 90s Violator album brought back memories of dancing in sweaty night clubs amid a purple haze.
The Barrowlands floor was bouncing and the atmosphere was amped a notch higher as the set hurtled only too quickly towards its end.
But we were treated to a few more before the band called it a night. Where's the Revolution got everyone marching along as Dave offered up his deep throaty vocals to an ever appreciative crowd.
Of course Martin Gore sang his solo as he got stuck into Home and then it was time for Walking In My Shoes with Dave doing a Freddy Mercury and lifting up his mike stand.
Messed up edgy Barrel of a Gun brought some darkness before the brilliant Personal Jesus, inspired by Priscilla Presley's love for Elvis. It was a real crowd pleaser from the moment we heard the famous opening notes.
Huge classic Enjoy the Silence ended the set all too abruptly as Dave said: "See you next time."
We hope he won't make us wait another thirty odd years before he turns up in this part of town again.
Glasgow like the rest of the world just can't get enough.



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

RICK ASTLEY GETS HIS ROLLERS IN AT GLASGOW HAIR SALON

RICK Astley popped into a Scots hairdresser to get his famous quiff done just hours before he was due to perform on stage.
The star who was playing Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall phoned into Taylor Ferguson salon in Glasgow himself to make the appointment under the name Astley but staff didn't twig who he was until he walked in.
Anne Ferguson who took the appointment said: " I spoke to him on the phone when he booked in but I didn't realise it was him. I thought I recognised him a bit when he came in but just thought he was one of our clients from down south. A lady whose husband bought her a voucher for the salon couldn't believe it when she was told he was sitting behind her. She'd not managed to get a ticket for the gig so was thrilled. She got up and had her picture and phoned her husband excitedly to thank him for organising it.
Rick got a cut and style and has fabulous hair that has not deteriorated with age."
Beauty therapist Leanne Donovan and stylist Linda Browne were thrilled to meet him. Leanne who is a huge fan and bought tickets to the gig said: "We put on the music and I offered to be his backing singer or dancer. I was sending about and he was killing himself laughing. He was lovely and at the end of the concert I told him he was fabulous and he said he was loving his hair."



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com