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).

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD PROVES A RATINGS HIT FORTY YEARS ON

The late Gwyneth Guthrie played Mrs Mack

TAKE The High Road or The High Road as it became known was one of the most popular Scottish shows over forty years ago. 

And now it’s been revealed that the show based in fictional Glendarroch is still as popular as ever as new figures show. 

Over 40 years after it first launched on STV, Scottish drama fans are still being gripped by the goings-on in Glendarroch, as Take the High Road  has been revealed as one of STV Player’s most-streamed drama series of 2021.

 

The iconic soap, which aired its final episode in 2003, has won a legion of new followers – and delighted existing fans – since dropping on STV’s free streaming service two years ago. It was the fifth most-watched drama on the platform in 2021, attracting more streams than major new series such as Marcella (#6) and Finding Alice (#9). 

 

However, despite the enduring popularity of the gentle rural soap, a chilling American crime drama about the hunt for a serial killer operating around the US-Mexico border proved more popular. Critically-acclaimed The Bridge – starring Diane Kruger as formidable detective Sonya Cross – was added straight to STV Player without being aired on the channel itself and, as the fourth most-streamed drama of the year, has been a bingeworthy hit with viewers.

 

Daily streams of Take the High Road reached a peak on 12 November, as viewers sought to rewatch the memorable performances of one of the series’ most treasured stars, Gwyneth Guthrie(Mrs Mack), in the wake of her death. 

 

Elsewhere, the top three dramas of 2021 on STV Player were perennial favourites Coronation Streetand Emmerdale, as well as the second series of British crime thriller The Bay. 

 

Rounding out the platform’s top ten most-streamed dramas of the year were David Morrissey-starring detective series Thorne (#7) and US legal drama The Firm (#10) – both STV Player-only shows – as well as beloved Scottish classic, Taggart (#8). All 27 series of the show, which originally aired from 1983 to 2010, are available to stream on STV Player.

 

Richard Williams, MD of Digital, STV said:“Never underestimate the power of Glendarroch! We’re so pleased that, among the countless big-name, big-budget international dramas our viewers are enjoying on STV Player, there remains a soft spot for the gentle familiarity of Take the High Road.

 

“This list also highlights that Corrie and Emmerdale fans have embraced the flexibility that watching their favourite soaps on-demand gives them. The sheer variety of our top ten list, from the day-to-day antics on the cobbles to the high-octane thrills of The Bridge, shows there really is a drama to suit every taste on STV Player.”

 

STV Player’s ten most-streamed drama series of 2021:

 

01. Coronation Street

02. Emmerdale

03. The Bay

04. The Bridge

05. Take the High Road

06. Marcella

07. Thorne

08. Taggart

09. Finding Alice

10. The Firm

 

TILLY RAMSAY TRIES THE NEW MCPLANT BURGER AGEAD OF STRICTLY TOUR

Tilly Ramsay proved she has an open mind to grub as she  took time out between busy rehearsals for the much anticipated Strictly Live Tour. 

In the run up to the big event she decided to go for a special menu. 

And it wasn’t nouvelle cuisine. 

Tilly, whose dad is famed Scottish chef Gordon Ramsay, decided to get some high street food for a change and    looked in good spirits as she visited a local McDonald’s.

The TV star, wearing a white puffer coat teamed with casual black jeans, strolled through the city of Leeds whilst clutching a McDonald’s bag during a well-deserved break from the hectic Strictly schedule.

Tilly is the latest star to be spotted tucking into a McPlant – after Mark Wright arranged for a McDonald’s van to visit his £1.3 million home renovation to deliver lunch for his builders.

 

The McPlant is the new vegan offering from McDonald’s which launched nationwide in January following a successful trial in October 2021. The impressive McPlant, which took over three years to develop, features a patty co-developed with Beyond Meat® and has already proved hugely successful with McDonald’s customers.

 

The impressive build features a Vegan Sesame Bun, Mustard, Ketchup, Vegan Sauce, Fresh Onion, Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato and Vegan Cheese. It is cooked separately from other McDonald’s burgers and sandwiches using dedicated utensils. 

 

 McDonald’s UK&I spent three years on research and development to bring a delicious plant-based offering to British and Irish customers, and every element of the McPlant was designed with taste and quality top-of-mind. 

From the plant-based patty co-developed with Beyond Meat, to innovative vegan cheese based on pea protein that tastes just like McDonald’s iconic cheese slices, and a new vegan sandwich sauce. 

 

WATERLOO ROAD RETURNS TO OUR SCREENS

Waterloo Road is returning to our screens seven years after it was taken off air by the BBC.

This time round however filming will not take place in Greenock, Scotland but move back to Manchester, England, where it first began.

Much loved characters Adam Thomas, Angela Griffin and Katie Griffiths will however return to the reboot, which this time round will focus on school life after Covid.

McCoo artist Steven Brown in hospital after suffering stroke at his home

Ex Emmerdale star Adam will return as ex pupil Donte Charles, while Katie will play his wife Chlo Grainger. 

Angela will return as headteacher Kim Campbell, once the the head of pastoral.

Waterloo Road last aired in 2015, and moved to Scotland to film three years later, leaving filming in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Adam and his co-stars took to social media to let fans know about the new series and he told them: "The news is finally out!!! Donte and Chloe are back!! @waterlooroad coming soon… @bbc @bbciplayer."

Adam posted a throwback snap of the pair as pupils at Waterloo Road.

He commented: "I’m so excited to go back to where it all started! Waterloo Road was a huge part of my life and career so to go back 15 years later is a dream come true.

"I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity to get back to acting and doing what I love! I can’t wait to see some old faces and some new. I know this series is going to be the best one yet…"

Katie from Leeds showed of a photo of the three reading their scripts and wrote: "Big news! I'm going back to school! I'm so so excited to be returning to @waterlooroad reunited with @adamthomas21 and @theangelagriffin and loads of new faces yet to be revealed. Coming to @bbciplayer later this year. #waterlooroad.

"I am incredibly excited to be returning to Waterloo Road - loved by all who make and watch it! Chlo was my first professional acting role, and I feel so lucky to be part of the show again. I can't wait to see what stories unfold!"

Angela added: 'Here it is!!! My big news! I'm going back to school! I'm ridiculously excited to be returning to @waterlooroad as Kim Campbell…. But this time, she's the HEAD."

'I'm reunited with the brilliant @adamthomas21 and Katie Griffiths @kaytgriff (Donte and Chlo all grown up) and loads of new faces yet to be revealed. Coming to @bbciplayer later this year!"

Executive producer Cameron Roach said: 'Waterloo Road will continue its reputation for kickstarting, supporting and enabling careers both in front of and behind the camera, in a truly inclusive way, from our base in Greater Manchester.'

Actors who used to come to Greenock t film for the series included Lip Service's Heather Peace, Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dyvenor, Loose Women panellist Denise Welch and Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healey.

The former Greenock Academy was used as location for the BBC TV series and many local children had roles as background actors in it.

One fan said of the return:"Waterloo Road coming back reminds me that half the kids I went to school with were backing characters in it. They'd go to Greenock for a weekend then come back like "I got to die in an explosion woo!"

Another added: "OMG! Its actually coming back, and returning to Greater Manchester rather than Greenock."

MOXY MANCHESTER HAS ARRIVED AND IT’S READY TO WELCOME YOU

 MOXY Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy’s experiential hotel brand, has officially opened in Manchester bringing fun and adventure to guests. 

Moxy Manchester City from KE Hotels  is in the heart of Spinningfields, so you can enjoy the shops and bustling surroundings after an Uber stylish stay.

 

Theshowbizlion.com hasenjoyed stays before on both Glasgow and Edinburgh Moxy and the cool and trendy vibe with lots of neon signs and quirky artwork caught our eye the last time round. The cocktails are party ready and the beds gave us a glorious night’s sleep. 

 Young at heart, the city’s newest hotel opening, Moxy Manchester City is the place to be for a social staycation, offering affordable fun and endless adventure with rooms from £99.

 Step into Bar Moxy – the social heart of the hotel, which also serves as the hotel’s front desk, where a cocktail is served at check-in, alongside the room key. 

 Bar Moxy and the social atrium space has a modern and industrial feel, with local-inspired artwork, curated Manchester-style illustrations and illuminated signs across the lobby. A foosball table, card games and board games and communal lockers also feature in the 24/7 space. From brightly coloured pouffe seating, hidden corners, and laid-back sofas to seats at the urban-style wrap-around bar, there’s something for all occasions. 

Featuring a light bites menu and vibrant cocktail, Bar Moxy will also have DJs playing every night to draw hotel guests out of their rooms and locals out of their homes. 

An extensive drinks menu of beers, spirits, wine, and cocktails are available- featuring Moxy specials, Got MOXY: Gin, with MOXY syrup blend, a non-alcoholic Fauxy Moxy: MOXY Syrup Blend and Chilled Tea and the star of the show, Disco Diva: the ultimate sharing cocktail served in a disco ball with Vodka, Vanilla, Limoncello, Citrus Elderflower, Pomegranate, and Prosecco. There’s also a dedicated barista counter for a coffee fix, and Grab n Go snacks and beverages available 24/7.

The 146 stylish and smartly designed bedrooms can be as productive or as playful as needed. From plush platform beds to a fun-size workspace and comfy lounge chairs. Moxy Manchester City rooms feature walk-in showers, TVs with Netflix, open-wall closets, and motion activated LED guidelights. Plus, they’re pet friendly, so pooches can come too.

Moxy hotels are designed with social media-lovers in mind; Moxy Manchester City is the first Manchester hotel to have a digital ‘Guestbook’ wall. The Guestbook streams photos, and videos that Moxy guests have shared to the social sphere. Moxy moments are shared on the wall, which constantly changes as the social feed is updated.

 

The contemporary neighbourhood hotel is a rising nine-storey build that’s clad in weathered-effect metal panels to give an urban contrast to the original façade that has been retained from the former hat factory.

 Moxy has thoughtful crew members, offering a first-class service and a whole load of fun. To book your stay at Moxy Manchester city visit www.MoxyManchesterCity.com | @MoxyMcr  #PLAYON #ATTHEMOXY

 

KAREN GILLAN TO LEAD NEW YORK TARTAN WEEK PARADE

Karen Gillan will walk the streets of New York City as she becomes the second ever female Grand Marshall of the famous Tartan Day Parade. 

Former Doctor Who star Karen will walk the closed off streets of the Big Apple for the tartan themed event on April 9.

The Avengers, Guardians of The Galaxy and Jumanji star follows in the footsteps of KT Tunstall who led the parade in 2018 and other celebrated Scots including Sir Billy Connolly who took the honours at the last event held in 2019.

Outlander actors Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, Trainspotting's Kevin McKidd, and kiltmaker Howie Nicholsby have also taken on the role in previous years.

The globally marketed event first started in 1999 – the year after the United States Senate agreed to designate a national Tartan Day each April.

More than 30,000 people take part in the event in Manhattan and previous years have seen dogs wearing kilts, mini Kelpies grace Union Square, scaled down Military Tattoos being held in the city and First Ministers participate in events like cutting the tape of the Tartan Week marathon round Central Park.

Inverness-born Karen, who this week told fans she is back at work after a New Year break, has gained a cult following for her role as Nebula in the Marvel superhero films and now lives in LA.

The Tartan Day Parade confirmed Karen's latest honour saying: "The National Tartan Day New York Committee is honoured to announce award-winning Scottish actress Karen Gillan as Grand Marshal of the New York City 2022 Tartan Day Parade."

The event is now in its 24th year, and a lively procession of pipes and drums bands, Highland dancers, Scottish clans, Shetlander Vikings and more are expected to perform on the day.

DAVID BOWIE’S MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN SCOTLAND

David Bowie album cover 

As fans celebrate the late great David Bowie's birthday, theshowbizlion.com thought it would be fun to remember some of his most memorable moments in Scotland.

The Life On Mars singer and Man Who Fell To Earth star passed away in 2016 after a battle with cancer.

He was born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London but he spent much of his life travelling and frequently visited here over the years.

One of his earliest headline gigs, still using his real name, was in 1964 in December 3 in Lothian Road, Edinburgh at the ABC cinema. He was in a group called the Manish Boys.

Five years later he played as David Bowie, the name of his second studio album in Kirkcaldy at the Adam Smith Theatre in November 1969. The album was later re-released oin 1972 by RCA as Space Oddity.

1969 also saw Bowie perform at the Edinburgh Fringe, as an actor this time round, in Lindsay Kemp's The Looking Glass Murders which incorporated his music.

One year later he plays at Grampian TV studios - now STV - in Aberdeen for the Cairngorm Ski Night show.

In 1973 the Starman also played the now defunct Apollo, then known as Green's Playhouse in Glasgow with songs from Hunky Dory,The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

One year on he and Scots Shut belter Lulu had a fling, despite him being married to Angela Barnett and Lulu subsequently covered and had a hit with The Man Who Sold The World.

1978 saw Bowie play four-nights at Glasgow's Apollo from June 19 - 22 and in 1983 he brought Let's Dance to Murrayfield Stadium and played to a crowd of 47,000.

Six years on he also played with Tin Machine at The Forum in Livingston before returning to the capital to perform for the Royal Highland Exhibition Centre in 1990 and Glasgow's Barrowland.

2003 was sadly the last time David Bowie performed in Scotland at Glasgow's SECC but in 2014 he asked for Scotland to remain part of the UK, via Kate Moss at the Brit Awards.

His impact and influence on Scots will never be forgotten and many today paid tribute as Bowie’s widow Iman shared a quote from author Margaret Atwood, saying: "I exist in two places, here and where you are."