Celebrities are smoking again: ‘Things are grungier, edgier, sleazier’

Michael Cera has been announced to star in a new sci-fi series from director Steven Soderbergh.Command Z sees the actor take on the role of a project leader in the future who sends three people (Roy Wood Jr., Chloe Radcliffe and J.J. Maley) back to 2023 to infiltrate the minds of a number of people and change the course of the future.The series, which sees Soderbergh direct and produce, is available to watch now on the director’s website Extension765 – which also has a trailer.Command Z has also been promoted with a meta letter written by a likely fictional character called Fabrizia del Dongo, which confirms it consists of eight episodes and runs for a total of 90 minutes.“This very morning, our fearful leader explained that in three days (July 17th for those who don’t want to do the math) we will be ‘dropping’ a series of some sort called COMMAND Z,” it begins.“If I seem hedgy, it’s because A) None of us have seen it; and B) it’s apparently about ninety minutes long, but there are eight episodes of varying length, so is it an actual series or just a movie cut up into pieces?”It adds of the secrecy of the project: “When I asked Mr/Dr Soderbergh why he’d done this, why he’d made this project and why he’d made it in secret, he said, ‘Hope, Fabrizia.

Marina Diamandis has shared insight into her ongoing health struggles and recent diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome.The pop star – who performs under the name Marina – took to social media to tell fans about her ongoing health battles, and detail the symptoms she has faced over the past seven years.She also revealed that she has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in recent months, a long-term condition which leaves a person deprived of energy and unable to carry out everyday activities.In her post, shared to Instagram last week (July 12), the singer recalled having “symptoms like deep fatigue, numbness, tingling, brain fog, rashes, insomnia and a feeling of being ‘poisoned’” to fans, and said that she had struggled with the issues for so long that it has “been hard to remember what healthy feels like”.“My baseline energy has been at 50 – 60 per cent for a long time. Aside from a few periods of remission, the last 7 years have consisted of relying on adrenaline and willpower to push me through each day,” she added.“After a lot of research, I now understand that these symptoms are a result of a hypersensitive nervous system, developed in response to chronic stress.

A+E Networks has rejigged its structure in Asia, with its regional chief leaving as a result.

Acclaimed anime director Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film, The Boy And The Heron (aka How Do You Live?), hit Japanese theatres on Friday, July 14 with no advance publicity apart from a title and a poster. 

EXCLUSIVE: Kitty Walshe, the CEO of RDF Group and Your Home Made Perfect producer Remarkable Factual, is exiting after eight years, with the pair of Banijay labels set to merge.

Good Morning Britain is to be cancelled next week as part of a huge schedule shakeup for ITV.

Kate Middleton's 'intensely flattering' signals of affection towards Prince William were noted by a body language expert at Wimbledon over the weekend.

Brits have been warned not to go swimming at several beaches across the UK today. Heavy rain over the weekend has led to sewage outflows at various sites and pollution warnings have been issued for Blackpool and Cleveleys.

A man is in a critical condition in hospital after a motorbike ploughed into a tree in Salford. Emergency services were scrambled to the Loopline on Sunday afternoon (July 16).

Kerry Katona has been defended by fans as she put on a sexier display than usual on social media. The former Atomic Kitten star has recently been sharing her progress as she continues her fitness overhaul following a series of health woes.

Katie Price has been told 'it's nice to see' as she shared a sweet video of her and her daughter Bunny at home. The former glamour model and her eight-year-old daughter could be seen in the kitchen as they whipped up some tasty sweet treats.

The online queue for Taylor Swift tickets to her UK tour dates was paused as tickets for the singer's Eras Tour went on sale this morning. Panic-stricken fans took to social media to report the update as they waited to get their hands on the much sought-after tickets.

A school went into lockdown this morning after a boy with a gun was spotted nearby. The drama unfolded just before 8.30am today in Failsworth.

This summer, families can take advantage of a new weekend pass offer at this family fun park, meaning you can enjoy double the fun for less.

The body of a woman has been discovered on a footpath next to a retail park in Rochdale this morning - prompting a major investigation.

Gorka Marquez was left gushing over a Hollywood A-lister as he cheered on fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz during the Wimbledon final on Sunday (July 16). The Strictly Come Dancing star was keenly watching the tennis tournament on TV from his home in Greater Manchester with Gemma Atkinson.

Pulp have performed an unreleased song titled ‘Hymn Of The North’ at one of their Sheffield homecoming shows.The moment took place at the end of the band’s performance on Saturday (July 15) — the second of their two mammoth homecoming shows at the city’s Utilita Arena.Arriving as the final song of the band’s 20-song setlist, frontman Jarvis Cocker introduced the track as one that no one has ever heard Pulp perform, other than those stood on this stage, and explained that there was some deliberation as to whether they were going to perform it live or not.The track is one originally written by Cocker, as a solo track for the 2019 play Light Falls, which was written by Manchester playwright Simon Stephens.“OK, I can promise you that no one has ever heard this song except for us on this stage… Actually, that was a lie,” said Cocker, speaking to the audience towards the end of the show.

Poldark actor is set to star in new TV drama Fifteen-Love about a tennis coach accused of abuse, and spoke about working with an intimacy coordinator for sex scenes in the series, admitting that in the past directors were “awkward” for such scenes.“It’s just a few years ago when it wouldn’t be commonplace to have an intimacy coordinator on set,” he told Metro.“And then a few years before that, I mean, the term wasn’t even known. It was awkward in some moments.

Jason Donovan beamed with pride as he attended his son Zac's graduation in Edinburgh. The Neighbours star posed for a photo with Zac in his graduation robes at Bristo Square as he graduated from the University of Edinburgh.

Today is the day that Taylor Swift's Eras Tour tickets go on general sale.

Naman Ramachandran Curator, programmer and producer Jitin Hingorani has joined India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in the newly created position of head of programming for Film Bazaar, South Asia’s largest content market. Hingorani reports into Prithul Kumar, joint secretary of films at India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Leena Khobragade, formerly Film Bazaar director, now serves as artistic director of the market. “All my life’s work as an Indian American serial entrepreneur over the past 25 years has been leading up to this monumental role,” Hingorani told Variety. “As a former entertainment reporter, movie publicist, and film festival curator and director in Texas and New York City, my PR/marketing, media relations, and programming skills will be cumulatively utilized as our team organizes the most relevant, comprehensive, and accessible co-production/distribution market and film bazaar in all of Asia. We are ramping up our efforts to invite the biggest and brightest film buyers, sellers, distributors and programmers from around the international film fraternity to Goa this November. The 17th edition of the NFDC Film Bazaar will be forward-thinking in its approach and trendsetting in its delivery, as we shine a global spotlight on the most promising independent cinema from all over incredible India.”

North West got a chance to meet Rozonda «Chilli» Thomas of the iconic group TLC, and couldn't contain her excitement.The 10-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West was absolutely beaming in a series of snapshots her famous mom posted to Instagram on Sunday, in which she and Chilli appeared to be hanging out in their kitchen.In the pics, North is smiling broadly as she shares a hug with the singer, and in one photo the pair pose together with North's puppies.Kim, meanwhile captioned the post, «Dreams do come true @therealchilli.»A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)Specifically, North's dream of getting to meet Chilli after the young fan and her friends dressed up as the R&B trio last Halloween.In her slideshow post, Kim also shared an iconic promo photo of TLC, followed by a photo of North and two friends dressed like the bandmates — with North clearly portraying Chilli.While the post was super cute, Kim's sister Khloe Kardashian took to the comments to express her disappointment that she wasn't invited over to say hi.«What!!! And you didn’t call me to come over!!!!!» Khloe wrote, later commenting, «Oh you’re in trouble.»Meanwhile, North's grandma, Kris Jenner, simply wrote, «This is so cute!!! ❤️

long strange trip made its final stop.Deadheads from all corners of the world flocked to San Francisco’s Oracle Park Sunday night to see iconic jam band the Grateful Dead’s successor, Dead & Company, play the last show of their ‘Final Tour.’Two of the surviving members of the Grateful Dead, Bob Weir and Mickey Hart — along with singer-songwriter John Mayer, ex-Allman Brothers Band bassist Oteil Burbridge, keyboardist Jeff Chimenti and newly added drummer Jay Lane (who replaced one of the band’s original drummers, Bill Kreutzmann, for the final tour) — thrilled fans in the town where the original Dead was formed in 1965.Kicking off the three nights of their final tour on Friday, over 40,000 fans packed into the ballpark each night, with all three shows sold out. Deadheads were treated to some of the band’s more popular but cherished tunes, like “Bertha” and “Althea” during their first set, and after the intermission, heard Mayer slide on the guitar and bop around on stage to the likes of “Help on the Way” and “Cumberland Blues.”The band’s encore and final performance ever ended with “Truckin’,” “Brokedown Palace” and final send-off “Not Fade Away” — accompanied by a dazzling drone performance above the stadium — before Dead & Company gave their last bow to the audience as a band.For Deadheads tuning in via live stream through Nug.net — a live concert streaming service that had the exclusive rights to broadcast the show — the experience was less than ideal, with many missing segments of the show due to login issues or not being able to access their accounts in altogether for the final hurrah.‘The Final Tour’ started in Los Angeles on May 19, spanning to major US cities like New York and Chicago.Showing love from the Big

Lainey Wilson wishes "Yellowstone" would just "go on and on and on." The "Heart Like a Truck" singer spoke with Fox News Digital about her love for the Western TV series and how it has affected country music. "If it was up to me, it'd go on and on and on and on and on. I love me some ‘Yellowstone,’" Wilson shared.

Sentric Music has signed LA-based songwriter and producer Sean Silverman to one of those exclusive administration agreements.Silverman is a member of the pop-rock band Beach Weather, but has also written and produced music for the likes of Burna Boy, Lil Nas X, Tropkillaz, The Maine, Chloe Lilac, Windser, BEL and The Technicolors.Says Sentric’s President and Head Of A&R for North America, Simon Perry: “This is a dream signing for us in the USA. Sean is a creative juggernaut and we’re excited to bring Sentric’s best in class capabilities to support his stellar trajectory”.Silverman, meanwhile, is “THRILLED” about the deal.

Manori Ravindran Executive Editor of International A new documentary about Richard Williams, the father of tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams, has sold into major markets. “On the Line: The Richard Williams Story,” which had its U.K. premiere at Sheffield Doc/Fest in June, has been sold into Sky (U.K. and Italy), Canal+ (France), MNET (South Africa), Paramount+ (Australia) and TVNZ (New Zealand). The film paints a complex portrait of the life, career and impact of Williams — the family patriarch and tennis coach to Venus and Serena Williams, who was also portrayed by Will Smith in the 2022 movie “King Richard.”

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Saudi filmmaker Abdulaziz Alshlahei (“The Tambour of Retribution,” “Zero Distance”) is set to direct timely drama “Hobal,” about a Saudi family living in isolation in the desert during the early 1990s. The film will be shot in NEOM, the sprawling production hub in Saudi Arabia’s northwestern corner. “Hobal” will be Alshlahei’s third feature, segueing from his groundbreaking social issues drama “The Tambour of Retribution,” about the forbidden love between an executioner’s son and a wedding drummer’s daughter in turn-of-the-century Riyadh. “Tambour” scored two prizes at the Cairo Film Festival, was released on Netflix, and was Saudi Arabia’s submission for the 2022 best international feature film Oscar.

K.J. Yossman Elton John and David Furnish have taken the stand as part of Kevin Spacey’s defence in the actor’s trial for sexual assault in the U.K.

Emmerdale is said to be bidding farewell to one of the village's icons later this year, as one character is set to leave, 25 years on since making her debut on the ITV soap.

Ferne McCann has revealed her newborn's unusual name and the inspiration behind it. The former TOWIE star and mum-of-two and fiancé Lorri Haines welcomed their first child earlier in July.

Elton John’s husband David Furnish has been called as a witness for the defense in the Kevin Spacey trial.

Variety Staff Follow Us on Twitter It’s the most wonderful time of the year: “Actors on Actors” season, that is! Season 18 of the beloved Variety series, which celebrates the biggest stars in this year’s Emmys race, reached new heights on social media with over 85 million total views across platforms. This round’s pairings included Jenna Ortega with Elle Fanning, Pedro Pascal with Steven Yeun and a highly-anticipated “Grey’s Anatomy” reunion for Katherine Heigl and Ellen Pompeo. Once again, the series took over TikTok during its two-week run, racking up over 66 million views and gaining over 100,000 new followers on the entertainment trade’s account. Top performing videos on the platform include Ellen Pompeo’s realization that Meredith Grey was the original “pick me girl,” Jeremy Allen White’s curiosity over Jennifer Coolidge’s most iconic “White Lotus” line and Jenna Ortega’s emotional appeal for kindness on social media. 

Oasis manager Alan McGee has denied “a number of unfounded and hurtful” allegations after police launched an investigation into two claims of rape. Representatives for London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed they had received a report of two alleged incidents of rape of a woman by a man.

Liam Gallagher has revealed the thing that “freaked him out” after he purchased a mansion previously owned by Noel Edmonds.The former Oasis frontman was co-hosting Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 2 programme last night (June 15), when he shared insight into something that he came across after purchasing the home.The topic arose when the singer-songwriter was asked about the last thing he spent money on, to which he responded: “Oh, it was probably the house in France. I hate to be flash … It used to be Noel Edmonds’.

Noel Gallagher has said the songs he’s co-written with The Black Keys are “fucking amazing”.Speaking to Rolling Stone, Gallagher, who spent time with The Black Keys, shared: “We did a week in the studio in London and wrote three songs and I’ve gotta tell you, they’re fucking amazing.”The Black Keys, made up of duo Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney who are working on their 12th studio album, previously praised the former Oasis member.Speaking to NME, Carney referred to him as the “incredible” Noel Gallagher, adding: “He’s hilarious and super talented, We were referring to him as ‘The Chord Lord’ because he’s just a perfectionist with it.”Carney also mentioned Noel’s brother, Liam Gallagher. “Dan and I are big fans of him and Liam,” he continued.

Liam Gallagher has announced a new live album, taken from two of his solo gigs at Knebworth. Check out newly-shared footage of him playing ‘Roll It Over’ below.Announced by the former-Oasis frontman last week (June 9), the new live album will feature footage from across two of his solo shows at Knebworth, held at the grounds on June 3 and 4 last year.Titled ‘Knebworth 22’, the live album will feature a career-spanning variety of tracks from the singer-songwriter — taken both from his solo career and from his earlier work with the Britpop icons.This includes hits including ‘Everything’s Electric’ and ‘Come On You Know’ from his solo projects, and Oasis classics such as ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Supersonic’ and ‘Champagne Supernova’.Alongside the announcement comes a live video of the artist performing ‘Roll It Over’, a track which originally featured on Oasis’ fourth studio album ‘Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants’ (2000).