NEIL Lennon went over to the dark side quite literally after spotting Darth Vader actor Spencer Wilding at a Glasgow hotel.
The Hibs manager was hanging out at Glasgow's Hilton hotel when he decided to introduce himself to Star Wars actor and former British Welsh kickboxing champion Spencer and his wee pal Jimmy Vee who plays R2D2.
The two actors were in Glasgow for a Comic Convention at the city's Barrowlands and were chilling out before meeting fans in Saturday and Sunday.
Neil, whose team drew against Morton in a controversial decision on Saturday appeared to seek some enlightenment from the dynamic duo.
Glasgow born Jimmy Vee said: "We were at Spencer's hotel in Glasgow when Neil Lennon, who was with some of his friends, came over to us and asked I'd we would get our picture taken with him.
It turns out he know some people who Spencer knows Liverpool way and he was quite keen to say hello. I don't follow football at all and never have. I'm more into motors and bikes and fast things but it was nice to see him."
This week sees the fortieth anniversary of Star Wars.
- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com
SCOTS singer KT Tunstall has written about the blues of a different kind after penning a song for the new Smurfs movie.
KT from St Andrews who has just joined Simple Minds on their European tour admitted she was chuffed to bits for her music to feature in new movie Smurfs: The Lost Village.
She said: "I'm so proud to have written a song for the new The Smurfs Movie Smurfs: The Lost Village. You Will Always Find Me in Your Heart was co-written with the amazing Chris Lennertz- one of my favourite people in the world. It premieres next week."
KT who will play Kelvingrove bandstand on August 4 said she initially thought about singing on the song but decided it was better someone else featured on it.
She said: "I'm not singing on it. Shaley Scott is. - I gave it a go but sounded like Joan Jett- not quite what the scene needed. But don't worry, I did sing on a massive hands-in-the-air Ibiza remix version we did for fun."
The film was released nationwide on Friday April 7 and now KT, who recently signed to US label Rostrum Records Stateside is now on tour with Simple Minds.
She said: "I'm kind of overwhelmed that I head to Europe on Wednesday for seven weeks. Touring with Simple Minds Official is such a dream. I have really missed playing in Europe and haven't been over much in recent years, and not only can't wait to go, but also playing many places I have never played before. It's a true adventure."
- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com
JUDY Murray has revealed her Wimbeldon winning son Andy used to go by the name of Mini Moo.
The tennis mum who coached both Andy and his older brother Jamie son to award winning level said the whole family were known on the circuit as The Moos with older brother Jamie being called Maxi Moo.
Judy, who until recently was known on Twitter under the name of Jud Moo explained: "When we went to tournaments overseas we were always called The Moorays. It became The Moos for short. There was Mini Moo - Andy, Maxi Moo - Jamie and Jud Moo - myself. A lot of kids and coaches used to call us by those names. That is how my Twitter name came about but I have changed it now to Judy Murray so more people know who I am."
Judy who recently won the top gong at Action For Children's Scotland's Woman Of Influence Awards admitted she was shocked to be given the trophy.
She said: "I'm thrilled to bits because as I was reading out all the nominations I thought 'I don't remember the last time I won something. I'm absolutely not used to winning anything. I'm quite used to going and picking up something for my kids when they're not in the bloody country after winning things.'
I think it was 1999 I last won something from the LTA - coach of the year.
When you're not ready to make a speech it reminds me of Strictly when I developed a look which Anton Du Beke got very used to and meant I have no idea what's coming next.'
It was a really strong pool of candidates and of course you're standing up in a whole room full of women and it meant a lot to me that I was voted by them. Action For Children is also a great charity and I really like what they do."
Judy is determined to provide more tennis facilities and coaching throughout the UK and beyond for young people before Andy and his brother retire.
She said they may only have a few years left to play. She explained: "I get tired sometimes but I'm really on a bit of a mission because I understand Jamie and Andy won't play forever. They may only play for another couple of years and then we won't have that leverage and excitement so you have to do something now. They've been playing on tour since 2005. It's their twelfth year already and it's a long time. Nothing goes on forever. You've got to prepare for some kind of legacy. The worst thing for me is that they retire and look back and nothing has changed."
- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com
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
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 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
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
