SCOTS AUTHOR SOPHIE GRAVIA GETS TV DEAL

Scottish author Sophie Gravia has revealed she is about to have her first book A Glasgow Kiss made into a major TV series. 
Single mum of two Sophie,32, who is a renal failure nurse, turned her raunchy blog into a self published novel over lockdown and secured a four book deal with major publisher Orion Books.
She became an instant bestseller with latest Hot Girl Summer currently at number one in the Amazon book charts. 
Labelled Scotlands sexiest author, she has now sold in excess of 500,000 copies, with her last book Meet Me In Milan even outselling Harry Potter in Waterstones Glasgow stores. 
Speaking at an author event for 250 women in Glasgow’s Wunderbar she has now revealed: “A Glasgow Kiss has been optioned by BBC Studios. We’ve signed a contract  and I’m buzzing it’s now been optioned by the BBC. It’s still early days but I feel like this is made for the screen and can’t wait to see what happens next.”
Sophie continued: “When you write a book I suppose the goal is to see it on screen and it’s always been in the back of my mind how amazing it would be.
It’s too early to talk cast but Sophie is really excited.  She joked: “If I had someone like Michelle Keegan or Matthew McConaughey we’d obviously we’d need a sizeable budget. Finding the right people to play my characters will be a fun process.”
Sophie, born Sophie Grant, who has also penned What Happens in Dubai, is mother to Olivia, 14, and Grace, 12, - and their names make up her pen name Sophie Gravia.
Hot Girl Summer sees Sophie’s characters go to a school reunion where they realise their lives are not quite on track.
As a result they do their utmost  to ensure they have a Hot Girl Summer.
Sophie’s own life has changed dramatically since she lived in an ex council house, living on tick and constantly tapping her dad to get through the week.
She said: “The success of my three books so far has been incredible. It’s changed my life and my children’s lives. They love it because I’ve cut down my nursing shifts to two days a week now and we get to spend more time together and I don’t have to constantly worry to save up and take them to nice places and we can enjoy life together comfortably.”

TRAVIS STAR FRAN HEALY TURNED THE AIR BLUE

TRNSMT surprise act Fran Healy said he swore more on his new single than he’s ever done before - so much so that his bandmates were shocked. 
“We just gave birth to a baby album. Our tenth child just came out LA Times.
LA times is the last song on our album and it’s got more swearing in thirty seconds than any song that’s ever been written has. I didn’t meant to swear. I remember saying to Andy and the guys and Andy wrote back after hearing it  ‘This is quite a lot of swearing Fran.’ 
It just came out. I was getting frustrated. It brought out the Possil in me.
Fran who spends most of the time in LA these days after relocating there from Berlin and originally Glasgow said he is homesick: 
“I miss us. We all talk to one another. When you’re away, I didn’t miss home as much when I was in Berlin, and they speak German there, another language, but in LA, it’s like no one talks to anybody.
And here, you are standing for two minutes anywhere and you’ll strike up a chat with someone.”
Of their appearance at TRNSMT yesterday playing under their original name of Glass Onion he added: “We weren’t playing the festival this year but we thought we’d gatecrash it. We climbed over the droopy by the side of the thing with the neds and we got in and we got chased by a guy with a visibility thing. 
We managed to get onstage just before he got to us. We played a set and we loved it. 
In 1988 we all came here for the Big Day 
It was here and I was always thinking when it was  in the park why didn’t they have f in the park here. Why was it in Strathclyde park. Glasgow were like no we’re not doing it again.
This is the spiritual home of the festival. The big day was the first ever festival in Scotland ever.”

CAROL VORDERMAN COMES TO EDINBURGH FOR TV FEST

By K Monroe 

BROADCASTER, writer and campaigner, Carol Vorderman MBE, is heading to Scotland to talk about her life in telly and her views on where it is going. 

Carol will be the Alternative MacTaggart speaker at the 2024 Edinburgh TV Festival supported by Screen Scotland, and will speak to a room full of TV delegates at the annual fest.

Carol, who the showbizlion.com has met on various occasions, is one of the UK’s most popular and successful presenters and, more recently, political commentator and campaigner. With a passion for everything mathematical and a skill with numbers, Vorderman made a name for herself when she started her TV career in 1982 as the maths genius on Countdown, working with the late Richard Whitely for 22 years and then with Des Lynam and Des O’Connor until she left in 2008. 

Awarded an MBE in 2000 for her services to broadcasting and having appeared on and presented a raft of the nation’s favourite TV shows, Vorderman currently hosts a weekly radio show on LBC, a daily quiz podcast ‘Perfect 10’, the Pride of Britain Awards and is now also known for her political activism.  

Vorderman grew up in a single parent family in poverty in North Wales with her sister, brother and her beloved mum. As a free school meals child in a comprehensive, she became the first from North Wales to go to the University of Cambridge when she was just 17 years old. Now with an extensive broadcasting career under her belt, Vorderman has become a significant voice in the political landscape with a passionate determination to hold those in power to account. September this year will see the publication of her new book, ‘Now What? On a Mission to Fix Broken Britain’.  

For the Alternative MacTaggart, Vorderman will bring her extensive experience in TV and frontline of social media campaigning to her address at this year’s Festival. She will then be interviewed in more detail to discuss the themes of her speech.   

On giving the Alternative MacTaggart, Vorderman said:  

”I feel honoured to have been asked to be this year’s Alternative MacTaggart speaker.  As our industry transitions, there is much to discuss. 42 years on the box, hosting shows for all channels, it’s been an interesting life! I choose to live a life outside of the media thrall of London and I live without apology. Beware the post-menopausal woman who doesn’t give a damn! I’ll see you in Edinburgh.” 

The TV Festival Creative Director, Rowan Woods and Advisory Chair, Harj Chhokar, commented:  

“This year’s Alternative MacTaggart will be delivered by a true TV legend. Since making her debut on Countdown, the first ever programme on Channel 4, Carol Vorderman MBE has been part of the DNA of the UK television industry and a mainstay of our screens. She is also a funny, fearless and ferocious commentator on everything from politics to social mobility, sexism and education. We know her Alternative MacTaggart is going to be one of the must-see events of this year’s festival.” 

Other speakers already confirmed for the Festival include multi-platinum music artist and tech entrepreneur will.i.am, multi-award-winning producer, Warren Littlefield,BAFTA winning writer Sarah Phelps, celebrated actors Julie Hesmondhalghand Rakhee Thakrar and The Grand Tourand Clarkson’s Farm executive producer, Andy Wilman, as well as renowned playwright and dramatist James Grahamwho will be giving the prestigious MacTaggart lecture. 

The hugely popular Spotlight On… sessions return with the decision makers from across the mainstream, digital and streamer broadcasters revealing what’s hot and what’s not on their content strategy for the year ahead. 

Further sessions will be announced soon.Passes on sale now. 

SCOTS BOYBAND JUST THE BRAVE GET SEAL OF APPROVAL FROM TOP POP STARS

Scots boyband Just The Brave’s debut single has been given the seal of approval by songwriters Naughty Boy, Nina Nesbitt, MNEK, Eg White, Cathy Dennis and more after reaching the top ten so far in a global Song Academy Young Songwriter songwriting competition. 

It’s a dream come true for 15-18 year olds Seany, Kaiden, Arin, Danny, and Fin from Glasgow and Edinburgh who began making music last year. 

As a band the lads have battled various issues from Tourette’s and Autism to ADHD, and Bullying. 

They have been going around schools in Scotland talking about mental health, bullying, self esteem and more and have already played live gigs in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, St Luke’s, Dundee’s Caird Hall, and London’s 02 Academy, as well as appearing on CBBC. 

The boys, who got chatting and banded together after seeing one another sing online and in the flesh across various platforms, are set for big things this summer with festival announcements and gigs including Pride events across Scotland in their diaries. 

Their new single Summer Feelings, which they wrote following a school visit earlier in the year, was a bid to bring  something positive to their fans and listeners. 

Fin said: “There is nothing better than looking up at a clear blue sky and being full of hope for the summer.

Danny added: “It can really help you to feel so positive, and in Scotland where it rains a lot it’s awesome for everyone to celebrate the Summer.”

Kaiden said: “Our debut song Summer Feelings is a catchy feel good layered summer pop anthem with Kygo inspired EDM instrumentals.”

  The lads have already amassed a mass of followers on TikTok and Instagram and have been picked up for promo by companies including Stagecoach, and Toxic Waste. 

Their ‘celebrity‘ followers online including Helen Flanagan, Neil Jones, Forest Blakk, Emeli Sande, Emily Shak, and Nicola Sturgeon!

Seany said: “We have achieved a lot on a budget - our video was shot at Scotland’s scenic Ayr Beach, doubling for Ibiza.”

Arin laughed: “We even got stung by a jellyfish making it.

Summer Feelings by Just The Brave is released across all platforms on July 5 with presave available now

Pre save now on https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/justthebrave/summer-feelings-2 

THE TRAITORS, MR BATES VS THE POST OFFICE AND MORE AT EDINBURGH TV FEST

By K Monroe 

THE Traitors, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, and Late Night Lovett are just some of the shows up for an award at Screen Scotland’s The Edinburgh TV Festival (ETF), the UK’s leading television industry event. 

The annual event in August which brings a host of big names from behind the scenes and front of camera to Edinburgh has announced the shortlist for its prestigious TV Awards, which are supported by Cast & Crew.  

Despite an unbelievably challenging year for many, the television industry has proven to be an impactful force for good for both viewers and society at large, setting the news agenda with the likes of Mr Bates vs The Post Office, creating water-cooler moments with entertainment series like The Traitors, and providing escapism and laughs with programmes like Late Night Lycett. The TV Awards list of nominees reflects the creativity, innovation, passion and resilience of this community, with the UK’s traditional broadcasters dominating the shortlist.  

Double BAFTA Award winning British television personality, chef and musician Zuhair Hassan, otherwise known as Big Zuu, will take the helm as 2024 Jury President, overseeing the voting via juries made up of industry names. Since Big Zuu’s Big Eats launched on UKTV in 2020, he has become a household name and has gone on to host Big Zuu’s Breakfast Show on ITV and Big Zuu’s 12 Dishes in 12 Hours on ITV. Most recently Zuu fronted BBC Two documentary Big Zuu Goes to Mecca, he has also acted in UKTV’s Sneakerhead, hosted the 1Xtra Residency, released a cookbook and launched his own podcast, Feast is Feast. Zuu is a co-founder of Big Productions, an entertainment label specialising in factual and music content with the goal of nurturing and developing diverse talent in the industry.  

Big Zuu said: “It is an honour to be asked to chair the Jury for this year’s TV Awards. Between the pandemic, the strikes and the recession, it has been a really challenging couple of years for our industry. The talent on display in this shortlist is a timely reminder of how valuable our sector is, so I am really excited to be a part of this year’s process.” 

The shortlist for this year’s Awards is packed full of the best acting and producing talent in the television industry from across the UK and internationally. With a broad range of broadcasters and streamers nominated, the BBC leads the shortlist with 23 nominations across the broadcaster and individual talent categories. Channel 4amassed 19 nominations and ITV 10, with global streamers Apple TV+ and Disney+ securing 6 nominations each.

The Edinburgh TV Awards will be held at the EICC on Thursday 22nd August

BLACKPOOL IS NOW THE UK’S CAPITAL OF DANCE

Blackpool Tower Ballroom has always been a favourites destination of any professional or budding dancer, so it comes as no surprise to see that the British seaside town has now been titled the UK’s Capital of Dance!

 

Theshowbizlion.com has always championed the rock-ing resort and die to its unrivalled heritage in both social and competitive dance and reputation as the nation’s favourite place to trip the light fantastic, it made sense for it to gain the new title. 

Lytham based theatre producers and festival promoters Martin and Marina Blore from Fit The Bill Limited, are now hosting a pilot event this and next month to officially declare the town as the Dance Capital!

 

And Strictly star Karen Hauer has already pledged her support and will be in Blackpool for the event. Theshowbizlion.com briefly caught up with Karen during her last trip to Glasgow and she is committed to the cause. 

 

Taking place between June 14 and July 14, the month-long event will feature more than 100 different activations, from live performances, workshops with celebrity dancers, theatre shows, dance themed art exhibitions, community events and dancing in the streets!

 

Live dance performances will pop up in unusual spaces across the town, cafes will be offering ballerina cakes and there will even be themed cocktails in bars and festival themed window displays!

Karen will be delivering workshops herself on Saturday 29th June at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

 

To be a part of this you just need to visit: www.capitalofdance.com

 

Karen said: “There really is no-where quite like Blackpool when it comes to dancing.

 

“I have had the privilege of dancing on the famous Blackpool Tower ballroom floor for many years and every year it just gets better.

 

“This is an incredible initiative, and it is fantastic to see Blackpool finally getting the recognition it deserves – it is well and truly the UK’s – Capital of Dance!”

 

Marina also said today her ambition is to build on the success of this year and return in 2025 with what will be the UK’s first dance-based fringe festival.

 

The vision for the festival is to transform theatres, art venues and unusual spaces across the town, into dance hubs - filling them with dance workshops and shows – catering for all ages and abilities.

 

With 22M annual visitors, Blackpool remains the UK’s most popular seaside resort.

 

Marina added: “Capital of Dance will promote and build on the town’s fantastic dance heritage – there really is nowhere quite like Blackpool.”

 

The town already plays host to dozens of international dance competitions every year, the world’s longest running ice dance production at Pleasure Beach Resort, together with the famous names who grace The Grand Theatre and Winter Gardens throughout the year.

 

Marina said: “Since the Victorians arrived at the resort by train to dance on the piers, Blackpool has continued to welcome thousands of enthusiasts. This passion for dance has grown in the resort throughout the decades. During the war years, soldiers from both sides of the Atlantic met future spouses whilst dancing to the music of the big bands in the two most iconic dance venues in the world, Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens.

 

 “There was swing dancing and jiving on the piers, and every summer season theatre shows until the late 1980s included a line-up of dancers as part of their twice nightly performances.

 

“Then came Northern Soul, the super-clubs and today, Blackpool Tower’s spectacular ballroom with its sprung dance floor, remains the aspiration for every Strictly Come Dancing professional and their celebrity partners.”

 

The Capital of Dance pilot project has been part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) and also by Blackpool Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). 

 

TBID is made up of key businesses across the resort and takes a lead role on projects which are deemed to make a positive impact on the local economy and help to attract and retain staying visitors in Blackpool.

 

Kate Shane, chair of TBID Blackpool said: “Blackpool and dancing have been hand in hand for generations, providing magical experiences for everyone, whether they’re a competitor, spectator or just love to take to the floor.  The resort has the best array of venues and this, combined with our world class hospitality, makes Blackpool the perfect location to be the UK’s Capital of Dance.”

 

Dancers, dance creatives, producers and choreographers are being encouraged to pledge their support for both this year’s event and next year’s, which will take place from June 13 – July 13, 2025.

 

Anyone who is interested should visit: www.capitalofdance.com  Capital of Dance or email marina@fitthebill.com

SEAN CONNERY CASINO CHIPS FROM JAMES BOND UP FOR GRABS

CASINO chips used in Sean Connery’s first ever scene as James Bond are up for grabs at auction for the first time since the 60s. 
Sir Sean’s 007 was known for his panache and suave demeanour when it came to sitting by the roulette wheel or card table. 
The chips or gaming plaques are they are known were first used in the 1962 film Dr No at Le Cercle Casino, and can be seen clearly on the gaming table as Agent 007 (Sean Connery), acting as banker in the card game, memorably introduced himself with the iconic line, “Bond, James Bond” for the first time. 
Issued for £50 (number 0283) and £100 (numbered 0030), the betting plaques are genuine casino chips loaned by the Le Cercle Casino at Les Ambassadeurs Club in London. 
They came from the Mills family who owned the casino until 1992 and are estimated to go for £1400-1800 in Ewbank’s Entertainment & Memorabilia auction on May 30.
For those who have a smaller budget two £1 Le Cercle jetons from the film’s casino show are also available with estimates between £200-£400
Sean Connery memorabilia is always a big seller at auction with a two suits said to have been worn on screen by Sir Sean Connery in the 80s having sold for almost £7,000 in an online auction.
A grey suit, believed to have featured in The Untouchables, went for £1,625 at Lyon and Turnbull’s rare books, manuscripts, maps and photographs sale on Wednesday.
A cream suit Sir Sean is thought to have worn in either Five Days One Summer or Never Say Never Again sold for £5,250.