Friday, March 30, 2007

Dermot has the X Factor

Presenter Dermot O'Leary will host the next two series of the X Factor, ITV has confirmed.

Earlier this month it was announced that Kate Thornton, who hosted the show for three years, would be moving on to work on other projects.

O'Leary, best known for presenting Channel 4's Big Brother's Little Brother, said he was "flattered" to have been offered the job.

"I'm really looking forward to working with Simon and the team on the kind of Saturday night entertainment show I grew up watching," added O'Leary.

Duncan Gray, ITV's Controller of Entertainment said: "Dermot is a star. He's warm, clever and funny and he was our number one choice for the job. We're thrilled to have him on ITV."

Friday, March 16, 2007

American Idol

With the array of talent on display this year - Melinda, Lakisha, Stephanie etc. - American Idol will surely have a female winner again this year. In fact, I think there are only two boys still in it so far - Blake Lewis and the lovely Chris Richardson - and he's relying on looks, charm and a 'contemporary' edge more than singing ability. But it will be interesting to see if he can turn that lopsided nasal whine into a great voice. I still think he's great. I actually liked his version of The Boss.



Thursday, March 15, 2007

Gerard Butler



James Anderson

James Anderson is an international English cricketer. A pace bowler, Anderson made his international debut at the age of just 20 before experiencing a career trough. He has since been recalled to play for England, however.


Saturday, March 10, 2007

Chris Richardson 2

Chris Richardson has - as expected - made it into the final twelve of American Idol. Now that Sundance has been failed to secure a position - a real surprise - Chris Richardson, Blake Lewis and Chris Sligh certainly look to be the strongest of the boys. But American Idol this year is all about the girls.

There is a career there for Chris Richardson though surely...




Friday, March 09, 2007

300

Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, 300 is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller‘s acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.

Fortunately, his distinct vision involes 300 muscular men in very brief loincloths, helmets, a cloak and little else.






The weird thing is that having seen the trailer a few times, as sexy as Gerard Butler looks with his newly muscular physique and beard, when he speaks he reminds me uncomfortably of Bernard Bresslaw as Bungdit Din in Carry On Up the Khyber...

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Anthony Callea

Anthony Callea was the runner-up in the second season of Australian Idol in 2004. Widely expected to win, he has enjoyed a successful career since in Australia - although he remains unknown in the UK. Well, until this week that is, when GAY.COM reported that he had been 'accidentally' outed during a conversation on a Sydney radio show.

Apparently, Callea has had the gay community's gaydar pinging for some time but neither Callea nor his management have made any comment since this 'accidental' revelation.

One thing is clear - Anthony Callea is very cute.

For the release of his second album A New Chapter Anthony is sporting a new cropped haircut and some vaguely military styling.