Gavin and Stacey's Alison Steadman breaks silence on new episodes and reason Smithy called her Pam

“Texas Hold ’Em” singer made a last-minute pitch to country upstart Willie Jones to appear on her new “Cowboy Carter” opus — with the album deadline fast approaching to make her March 29 release date — it was either go big or stay home.“It was literally in the fourth quarter,” Jones, 29, told The Post of recording his “Just for Fun” duet with Beyoncé in the final stages of “Cowboy Carter.” “It was literally … end of February, February 20-something.”Jones got the call that would change his life from Alex Vickery, who produced his vocals on “Just for Fun” — which, despite its title, is a decidedly moody meditation.“She’s like, ‘Are you sitting down?’ I was like, ‘Yeah.’ And she’s like, ‘You know Beyoncé is working on a country album … [and] she loves your voice.’ I was like, ‘Are you serious?’ She was like, ‘Can you come out here tomorrow?’ I was like, ‘Send the car.’ ”And now the Shreveport, Louisiana native is galloping into history as one of the Black country artists spotlighted by Beyoncé Knowles Carter on “Cowboy Carter” — the undisputed event record of 2024 — which just scored the biggest sales week of the year in its chart-topping debut on the Billboard 200. Released to rave reviews (including mine), the LP also made Queen B the first Black woman to reign over the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, while simultaneously holding the top three spots on the Hot Country Songs chart led by her No.

Alec Benjamin served as the opening act on John Mayer’s ‘Solo Tour.’This year, he’s taking over headlining duties.Starting in September, the 29-year-old singer-songwriter will kick off his nationwide ’12 Notes Tour’ with special guest Matt Hansen joining him on select dates.Midway through the run, he’ll stop into New York’s Radio City Music Hall on Saturday, Sept.

Bill Maher, 68, on an episode of his “Club Random” podcast.Williams touched upon the idea when he mentioned legendary screen star Laurence Olivier covering his face with dark makeup for the 1965 film adaption of “Othello.”The William Shakespeare play centers around a Moor — a person of Muslim descent who lived in parts of Europe during the Middle Ages — military lieutenant who is fighting against the Ottoman Turks.“When he did ‘Othello,’ I fell out laughing,” Williams said.“He stuck his ass out and walked around because Black people are supposed to have big asses,” he continued. Maher then chimed in: “And Bradley Cooper thinks he’s got a problem with the nose.”The “A Star Is Born” director, 49, caught flack last year when he wore a fake prosthetic nose to portray composer Leonard Bernstein in his biopic “Maestro.”The costume sparked outrage among the Jewish community, who saw the nose as a stereotypical characterization of themselves.Williams went on: “I thought it was hysterical.

the news of her cancer diagnosis.And according to author Tom Quinn, Harry “really misses” the friendship he and Middleton once shared.“[Harry] really misses that warm, uncomplicated relationship, and he is torn between loyalty to his wife and regret about the loss of the woman he was so close to,” Quinn told the Mirror.“Losing Kate was Harry’s second great loss after losing his mother.”However, Quinn claims that the Duchess of Sussex does not share her husband’s sentiment when it comes to her sister-in-law.“Meghan doesn’t feel guilty about Kate, because she feels that Kate should’ve been the one person in the royal family to back her against every difficulty,” Quinn shared.“Apart from anything else, Meghan knew Kate was an outsider, so she just couldn’t understand why Kate always towed the royal line rather than supporting her, Meghan, the other outsider.”“Kate’s cancer diagnosis has been a real shock for Meghan, but she can see no way to patch up the relationship simply because it has become so poisonous,” the “Kensington Palace: An Intimate Memoir from Queen Mary to Meghan Markle” author continued.“She also doesn’t want people saying that she is trying to make things up with Kate just because Kate is ill,” he said, adding that the mom of two “still feels Kate was in the wrong and should apologize before they try to build bridges.”It was reported last week that Harry had found himself in a “painful place” following Middleton’s cancer news, especially after making so many revelations about his estranged family in his bombshell 2023 memoir, “Spare.”“When you do discover that your sister-in-law has cancer and you’ve written stuff that can’t be retracted, that’s quite a painful place to be in,” royal expert Tessa Dunlop

cancer.An X user recently shared that the royal family sent her back a sweet reply after she mailed a letter of well wishes for the Princess of Wales, 42.Middleton went through a planned abdominal surgery in January before being diagnosed with cancer.“Back in January when we were informed our beautiful Princess of Wales had undergone surgery, I sent her a card with our (my family and I) sincerest best wishes for healing and of course an abundance of love,” the fan penned on social media on April 6.She then noted that Kensington Palace replied to her, mailing her a letter with their insignia stamped.The post went on: “Today I received this beautiful acknowledgement and I can honestly say I shall treasure this my entire life.”She joked that her husband thought at first he “was going to have to get his suit out for a garden party (silly him).”Back in January when we were informed our beautiful Princess of Wales had undergone surgery I sent her a card with our (my family and I) sincerest best wishes for healing and of course an abundance of love. Today I received this beautiful acknowledgement and I can honestly say… pic.twitter.com/iMX4WKTGyS“But he is just as blown away as I am to received this beautiful, and much treasured card.

Mel Gibson is forever grateful for his “Air America” co-star Robert Downey Jr. after the Oscar winner defended him following his 2006 arrest in Malibu.

Deep Purple released the iconic “Smoke On The Water.”Now, 52 years (!) later, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers will celebrate their mega hit on their ‘1 More Time Tour’ with fellow Rock Hall inductees Yes all summer long.Along the way, Ian Gillan and co. are scheduled to make five New York and New Jersey stops.First, the heavy hitmakers drop into Camden, NJ’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion on Friday, Aug.

Jackie Chan got extremely candid about aging after turning 70 over the weekend. “Even before today, many friends have been reminding me: ‘Jackie, it’s going to be your 70th birthday,’ ” Chan wrote via Instagram under several throwback images on Sunday.

Amazon has come under fire for selling a 'suicide manual' that a retired GP used to plan her own death.

Gemma Atkinson appeared to be feeling emotional as she watched Gorka Marquez being the doting day while enjoying the last of their holiday. The couple have recently been soaking up the sun and the family time together with their two young - Mia and Thiago - children in Spain.

A young rugby player described as an 'exceptional human' has died suddenly. Gabriel Holt, 21, played for Wigan St Patricks and the University of Central Lancashire.

Stockport’s historic Bramall Hall will host a plant fair next week with some of the country’s most respected specialist nurseries - including RHS medallists - selling flowers, shrubs and more in the grounds of the Tudor building. The Plant Hunters’ Fair will take place on April 17 and will raise funds for Friends of Bramall Hall and Park.

A suitcase from Antler that is suitable for taking on Ryanair, EasyJet and Jet2 flights as hand luggage that is cabin crew-approved has been slashed in price. The luxury luggage label is known for its premium, stylish yet sturdy bags and suitcases that are guaranteed to last a least a decade, if not much, much longer.

The famous dad of Coronation Street star Luca Toolan has joined in with the commentary after his son's character was told he'll face a custodial sentence in new scenes. Fans of the ITV soap have been waiting for Weatherfield High student Mason Radcliffe, played by the newcomer, to get his comeuppance.

Former Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been appointed to the board of trustees for Bloomsbury Football Foundation.

Damon Albarn recently joined Thundercat on stage and performed a handful of solo tracks and a Gorillaz song.The Gorillaz frontman appeared at the third night of Thundercat’s four-night residency at London’s KOKO venue on Friday April 5 as part of his UK tour.Albarn joined the bassist towards the end of his set. Together they performed ‘Oh Sheit It’s X’, ‘Funny Thing’, ‘Them Changes’ and Gorillaz ‘Cracker Island’, the lead track from the animated band’s album of the same name in which Thundercat was originally featured on.Has this crowd been euthanised like do they know thundercat and damon albarn are in front of them playing cracker island pic.twitter.com/bJMLD0aVwX— tara (@drknesstolight) April 5, 2024Damon and Thundercat playing Funny Thing tonight in London.

Amy Winehouse biopic Back To Black arriving in cinemas, the search is on to find out which of her songs is the UK’s favourite.The film – which is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson – is set to arrive on April 12, and will follow the life of the late singer. It stars Marisa Abela (Industry) as Winehouse and charts the iconic singer’s vibrant years living in London, as well as her intense rise to fame.Now, just days before it makes its way into cinemas, a nationwide search has been launched to uncover which of the singer’s tracks is the most-loved in the UK.Commencing last Friday (April 5) and running until tomorrow (April 10), a giant Back To Black touring installation has been making its way across Manchester, Glasgow and London.

always hits. attended the Rome on April 8 in her own version of tennis whites: a custom Calvin Klein skirt suit, with Bulgari jewels as usual. The sleek maxiskirt featured a daringly high slit at one side, which showed off the actor’s equally immaculate white Louboutins.

The Equalizer is back in full swing, as the CBS series returned with Season 4 back in February.

Taylor Swift has released a handful of new playlists on Apple Music which tackle denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.The pop star is due to release her 11th studio record, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’, next Friday (April 19), following on from 2022’s Grammy-winning ‘Midnights’. Upon Swift’s announcement about her album, fans landed on the theory that ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ will explore the five stages of heartbreak.To celebrate the upcoming release, the ‘All Too Well’ singer has created a series of five exclusive playlists on Apple Music, choosing songs of her own catalog that fit each stage – Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance.The first playlist, titled ‘I Love You, It’s Ruining My Life Songs’, explores denial.

Rihanna has shared an update on her long-awaited new album, revealing that she has “a lot of visual ideas” for the material.The singer spoke about the anticipated album in a newly shared discussion with Interview Magazine, which took place at the rehearsals for her first show in eight years.On the night, Rihanna took to the stage at a pre-wedding ceremony in India to play her first full live show since 2016 – and was reportedly paid $6million (£4.7million) for the private concert.During the discussion before the set, she was asked about what it was like to be back in a rehearsal space, and if she had “the vibe to do music again”.“I have a lot of visual ideas. It’s weird.

Disney+ in streaming, according to a new report.Free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) has been on the rise, and one of these called Tubi – which is owned by Fox – is now outstripping its competitors.A report from Bloomberg showed that viewers are spending more time watching Tubi than Paramount Plus. The number of people viewing Tubi has spiked in the last year, from one to 1.7 per cent in the last year.

Rochelle Humes was quick to support her husband Marvin's latest career move after she confirmed it was a 'big win' for them both. The JLS star revealed that he's set to join KISS FM, over a year after he quit his own Late Show across the Capital FM network after several years.

The Metropolitan Police has issued a statement after an apparent threat was issued by terror group Islamic State referencing this week's Champions League knock-out football matches.

A luxury fashion label that is loved from daytime royalty like Kate Garraway, Frankie Bridge and, of course, Holly Willoughby, to the actual future Queen of England, Kate Middleton, has a launched a limited-time sale and fashion fans are snapping up one dress in particular.

Ryan Thomas was quick to backtrack as he jokingly shared a family update while on holiday with his fiancee Lucy Mecklenburgh and his actress daughter. The actor ditched the UK last month after admitting to wanting to enjoy a break following the end of Dancing on Ice.

Buying a house is the biggest financial commitment most people will make in their lifetime. Before going ahead with the purchase, it's important to understand the various different types of mortgages that are available to help you buy your home.

Manchester United's forgotten youth star Ethan Ennis started for the academy on Monday, as he continues to get back up to speed after recovering from a serious knee injury.

Michelle Keegan has been flooded with the same message as she shared an update following a rare public display of affection (PDA) with her husband Mark Wright while out in Australia.

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent George Lucas, the iconic filmmaker behind the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” franchises, will receive the Honorary Palme d’Or on May 25 during the Closing ceremony of the 77th Cannes Film Festival. “The Festival de Cannes has always held a special place in my heart,” said Lucas in a statement.

Kate Aurthur administrator Sylvester Stallone has been accused of creating a “toxic environment” on the Atlanta set of the Paramount+ drama series “Tulsa King” by making disparaging comments about background actors, among other allegations. Rose Locke, a casting director on “Tulsa King,” is said to have quit the series. Representatives for Stallone did not immediately respond to request for comment.

K.J. Yossman Screen finance company Great Point Media has appointed administrators following the death of its founder, Jim Reeve Great Point Media, which was founded by Reeve and Robert Halmi in 2013, has invested in films including “Asteroid City,” “Lady Macbeth” and “Blue Jean,” among other projects. Its last available accounts, filed in Jan.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Zendaya‘s most prolific roles to date in HBO’s “Euphoria,” which won her two Emmys for outstanding lead actress in a drama series, and three of Marvel’s “Spider-Man” films have something in common: High school. But she’s leaving the classroom behind for her new film, Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” which casts Zendaya as a tennis phenom and finds her at one point during the movie playing a mother in her early 30s. “I’m always in a high school somewhere,” Zendaya recently told Vogue magazine about her career thus far.

Selena Kuznikov Cineverse plans to release the Turkish zombie drama “The Funeral” this fall across all platforms, including its Bloody Disgusting-powered streaming service. The entertainment company acquired the film out of Berlinale. Director Orçun Behram tells the story of 40-year-old Cemal, a lonely hearse driver who has been given a secret task: a young girl named Zeynep has been murdered and her body needs to be delivered to her family.

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Italian collecting company Artisti 7607, which represents thousands of local acting and dubbing talents, has announced it is suing Netflix in a Rome court “to obtain adequate and proportionate compensation due by law to its mandated artists.” Artisti 7607, which was founded as a co-op more than a decade ago by a group of Italian A-list actors including Elio Germano — who in 2015 won top acting honors in Cannes with Daniele Luchetti’s “Our Life” — has long been doing battle with Netflix over residual rights. “After more than eight years of sterile negotiations to obtain the data necessary to determine the compensation for artists in observance of European and national legislation, Artisti 7607 is forced to appeal to an ordinary court to request compliance with the law,” the indie collecting company said in a statement.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Luke Combs leads the nominees for the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards with eight nods, followed by Megan Moroney and Morgan Wallen, who are tied with six each. Following behind with five nominations apiece are Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton. Although the results aren’t a surprise for most of the multiply nominated artists, they provide a particularly big look for Moroney, a critical favorite who is still promoting her debut album, which produced a No.