James Arthur hits out at Simon Cowell

X Factor winner James Arthur has hit out as music mogul Simon Cowell.

The 26-year-old Impossible singer took to Twitter to take a swipe at 54-year-old Cowell's X Factor musical I Can't Sing!, in which the villain of the show, a hunchback called Trevor Modo, is believed to be inspired by Arthur.

Taking to the social networking site, Arthur wrote: "@SimonCowell I should "shut up and put out records" or else this?"

He added: "Cue more media bullying."

Arthur later took to Twitter to make another dig at Simon, writing: "Anyway.. Morning guys, I'm hunching off to the studio today to finish off the mixing of the mixtape with @LukeOldham1 and @BongoLegs #LOVE"

Followed by: "Sometimes you have to be really strong. #LOVE"

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Three go home on Voice of Ireland

Ciara Donnelly, Laura O'Connor and Emma Walsh have missed out on the quarter-finals of The Voice of Ireland.

The three hopefuls were eliminated on Sunday's show on RTÉ One, with Jay Boland, Mariah Butler, Aisling Connolly, Brendan McCahey and Gavin Murray all securing places in the next round of the competition.

The Voice of Ireland continues on Sunday evenings on RTÉ One at 6:30pm.

Catch up on all the backstage fun on The Voice Afterparty on RTÉ Two on Sunday nights at 8:30pm.

For more on The Voice of Ireland, visit: www.rte.ie/blogs/thevoice.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fassbender wins at Empire Awards 2014

Michael Fassbender was honoured at last night's (March 30) Empire Awards for his performance in 12 Years a Slave.

The actor picked up the Best Supporting Actor gong, beating competition from Daniel Brühl (Rush), Sam Claflin (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Richard Armitage (The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug) and Tom Hiddleston (Thor: The Dark World).

Meanwhile, the Best Supporting Actress award went to Sally Hawkins for Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine.

Dublin actor Aidan Turner took home the Best Male Newcomer award for his role in The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug, with Australian actress Margot Robbie being honoured with the Best Female Newcomer gong for The Wolf of Wall Street.

Gravity was a big winner on the night - picking up the Best Film award, while Alfonso Cuarón was honoured with the Best Director gong for the space thriller.

Emma Thompson (Saving Mr Banks) and James McAvoy (Filth) took home the Best Actress and Best Actor awards respectively.

Actors Hugh Jackman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Simon Pegg, Tom Cruise and director Paul Greengrass were all recognised for their professional achievements on the night.

Take a look at our gallery of the red carpet action here.

Best Female Newcomer winner Margot Robbie

Best Male Newcomer winner - Dubliner Aidan Turner

Hugh Jackman with his Icon Award

Check out a full list of the winners at the Empire Awards 2014 below.

Best Film presented by Sky Movies
Gravity

Best Director presented by Air New Zealand
Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity)  

Jameson Best Actor
James McAvoy (Filth) 

Best Actress
Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks)

Best Supporting Actor
Michael Fassbender (12 Years A Slave) 

Best Supporting Actress
Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine)

Best British Film
The World's End 

Best Male Newcomer presented by Tresor Paris
Aidan Turner (The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug) 

Best Female Newcomer
Margot Robbie (The Wolf Of Wall Street)

Best Horror
The Conjuring

Best Comedy presented by Magic 105.4
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa

Best Thriller
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy presented by MediCinema
The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug 

Icon Award
Hugh Jackman

Action Hero of Our Lifetime Award
Arnold Schwarzenegger

Empire Hero 
Simon Pegg

Empire Inspiration
Paul Greengrass

Legend of Our Lifetime
Tom Cruise

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

EastEnder finds solace with new arrival

One of the characters in EastEnders will fall for the charms of newcomer Charlie Cotton (Declan Bennett) next week.

Warning: spoiler alert!

During another traumatic week, Ronnie (Samantha Womack) will sleep with Charlie after confiding in him about her problems.
 
The scenes will air on BBC One and RTÉ One on Friday April 11.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Farrell begins shooting new film in Kerry

Principal photography has begun on The Lobster, the "unconventional love story" starring Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz, which is being filmed in Co Kerry.

The first English-language film from Oscar-nominated Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos (Dogtooth, Alps), The Lobster is set in the near future, where single people's lives depend on finding a partner.

The film also stars John C Reilly, Olivia Colman, Ben Whishaw, Léa Seydoux, Ashley Jensen, Ariane Labed, Angeliki Papoulia, Michael Smiley and Jessica Barden.

Irish company Element Pictures is among the producers on The Lobster.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

New Michael Jackson album XSCAPE due in May

A second posthumous album from Michael Jackson will be available from May 13.

The singer's estate has announced plans to release XSCAPE, which will feature previously unreleased material.

This is the follow-up to his first posthumous collection, 2010's Michael, which peaked at number three in the US and at one place lower in the UK chart.

The album will include eight new tracks that have been "contemporised" by a range of producers including Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome "Jroc" Harmon and John McClain.

"Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the ground-breaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world," said LA Reid, who curated the album.

"Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with.

"We are extremely proud and honoured to present this music to the world."

Title track Xscape is the only song to have been "contemporised" by its original producer, Rodney Jerkins. Jackson originally recorded it for his 2001 album Invincible, but it never made the final cut.

XSCAPE will be available to pre-order worldwide from tomorrow, April 1.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rejected Beckett story from 1934 to be published

A Samuel Beckett story rejected by his publisher as "puzzling" and "a nightmare" will be made available for the first time this April.

Echo's Bones was originally intended to be the final story in Beckett's celebrated 1934 collection More Pricks Than Kicks but his then publisher turned it down because it feared it would alienate too many readers.

The 13,500-word story has since remained hidden in American archives but Faber & Faber will publish Echo's Bones on April 17, which will be a major event for fans of the Irish writer and author of Waiting for Godot.

Speaking to The Observer, Edward Beckett, the writer's nephew, said: "This is a very important text. It's good that it is available at long last."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Harry Potter's Fantastic Beasts for movie trilogy

Harry Potter spin-off book Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them is set to become a trilogy of movies after Warner Bros convinced author JK Rowling to give her fantasy franchise another box office bonanza. 

The novel was published in 2001 with a foreword by Dumbledore. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is about the magical creatures in the Harry Potter universe and purports to be Harry's copy of the textbook of the same name mentioned in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Harry Potter producer David Heyman will return to oversee the new trilogy.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gallery - Russell Crowe brings Noah to Dublin

He came, he saw, he had two pints of Guinness, and worked the red carpet outside the Savoy Cinema on O'Connell Street - check out our gallery of Russell Crowe bringing Noah to Dublin.

Thankfully, rain did not stop play outside The Savoy in Dublin yesterday

Such a nice man - parts one and two

Well he did say two of each . . .

Storm-bringer - Ronan Keating after the flood with girlfriend Storm Uechtritz. Nice boots Ro-Ro!

More happy fans met Russell yesterday

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Watch! Live Pierce Turner New York webcast

Wexford troubadour Pierce Turner will live webcast a gig from his New York apartment tonight. Click here to watch him in action from 8.00pm tonight.

Turner made his successful debut webcast earlier this month and is now offering fans another chance to watch him live and make requests this evening (March 30).

Click here at 8.00pm to hear and interactive to Pierce. 

He also takes a more analogue approach to playing live when he appears at Bray's Mermaid Theatre on June 14, Wexford's Greenacres on June 21, the Granary Theatre in Cork on June 28 and The National Concert Hall on July 10. For more, go to pierceturner.com. 

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dynasty star Kate O'Mara dies aged 74

The British actress Kate O'Mara, who was best known for playing Alexis Colby's sister Cassandra 'Caress' Morrell in US soap Dynasty, has passed away at the age of 74. 

O'Mara also had roles in Doctor Who, and eighties UK television dramas Howards' Way and Triangle. Her agent said she died on Sunday morning (March 30) in a Sussex nursing home after a short illness.

She appeared in Doctor Who opposite both Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy as renegade Time Lord The Rani. In the 1990s, O'Mara starred in Absolutely Fabulous as Jackie, the sister of Joanna Lumley's character Patsy and more recently, she was seen in ITV soap Benidorm.

Kate O'Mara, Dynasty co-star Joan Collins and singer Shirley Bassey meet the Queen Elizabeth II

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shay Healy opens up about living with Parkinson's

Songwriter and broadcaster Shay Healy has said that he "thinks about death all the time" and that he "knows he is turned for home."

Healy was speaking on RTÉ Radio One's Sunday with Miriam this morning (March 30) to mark the tenth anniversary of his diagnosis with the progressive neurological disorder, Parkinson's Disease. 

Healy, who penned Johnny Logan's 1980 Eurovision winner What's Another Year and who hosted RTÉ late night show Nighthawks from 1988 to 1992, said: "I think about death all the time but not in an unhealthy way. I'm kind of resigned to the fact that I'm turned for home. I haven't cried . . . being a realist, I try not to analyse it too much." 

The 70-year-old performer also paid tribute to his wife of 46 years Dymphna for looking after him throughout his illness and added that the only time he feels pain free is when he is on stage. 

"The stage is my natural home. That's where I belong . . . for forty or fifty minutes there's no pain and the Parkinson's goes away.

"I don't know how far this is going to go, or if I'm going to be rendered speechless, which for me would be one of the greatest sentences of all time."

Click on the link above to listen back to Shay's interview with Miriam O'Callaghan.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Albarn: ''Heroin made me incredibly productive"

Damon Albarn has described his 1990's heroin habit as "incredibly productive" in a new interview with music monthly Q but added that the drug is a "cruel, cruel thing".

Potentially drawing heavy criticism from anti-drugs campaigners, the 46-year-old says he has addressed his former use in a new song, revealing that he managed his intake by operating a "five days on and two days off" approach.

"[Heroin] freed me up. I hate talking about this because of my daughter, my family. But, for me, it was incredibly creative," he told Q.

"A combination of [heroin] and playing really simple, beautiful, repetitive shit in Africa changed me completely as a musician. I found a sense of rhythm. I somehow managed to break out of something with my voice."

In the interview, he says he returned home from a Blur tour "at the height of Britpop" and found the drug "in the front room". "I just thought, 'Why not?' I never imagined it would become a problem."

Blur's 1997 No 1 single Beetlebum was about Albarn's dalliance with the drug and he deals with his former habit again in a new song called You and Me from his debut solo album Everyday Robots. "Tin foil and a lighter, the ship across. Five days on, two days off" are among the lyrics.

"I can move forward now without all the nudge nudge, wink wink innuendo I've had in the background for years", Albarn says but he also maintains that heroin is a "cruel, cruel thing".

"[Heroin] does turn you into a very isolated person and ultimately anything that you are truly dependent on is not good."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dublin station TXFM announces new line-up

Dublin radio station TXFM, the replacement of recently-closed Phantom FM 105.2, has launched its line-up with several former Phantom djs returning to the air.

The new station takes to the air on Monday, March 31 at 7am with a new breakfast show, hosted by Cathal Funge, the former presenter of Phantom's Irish-only show Ikon.

Claire Beck, Joe Donnelly and Kelly-Ann Byrne are also featured on the weekday schedule. New voices include music blogger Nialler 9, Dublin music journeyman Gavin Glass, and Derek Byrne, who returns with an electronic show on Friday nights.

There will also be a weekends arts and culture events show from Totally Dublin, a "desert downloads" with former Breakfast Club host Nadine O'Regan, and an Irish language programme with Orlagh Donnelly.

Alternative station Phantom was rebranded and integrated into the Today FM resources last month.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tearful Nigella says "I've had better times"

A tearful Nigella Lawson says that her recent travails have left her feeling as if she's had "a layer of skin removed."

In her first UK TV interview since separating from Charles Saatchi and the trial of the couple's former personal assistants, who were cleared of fraud charges last year, she said, "Well, I'm alive. You know, I've had better times."

Speaking on BBC One's Michael McIntyre Chat Show, to be screened on Monday, she refused to be drawn on "gossip".

She said she could tell stories about her ex-husband, but was not going to: "I could say things, and they would be indiscreet, but I don't want to."

She told McIntyre, "We all gossip but I don't take a particularly lofty view, perhaps having a layer of skin removed I'm also more aware of other people's misfortunes.

"If I read something in a magazine, I can't remember, so why would they remember about me. I really think that if the major things in your life are what people who don't know you think then you're living your life wrong."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fleetwood Mac to tour with Christine McVie

Singer and keyboardist Christine McVie is re-joining Fleetwood Mac after a 16-year absence for a North American tour later this year.

"I'm a pig in a pile of poo really," McVie told Rolling Stone. "It is a time warp; it is very, very happy. None of the nonsense with the drink and the nasty stuff. We're all grown up, of course."

The band have scheduled 34 concerts across the US and Canada from September to December 2014 and McVie has also hinted at a new studio album. "We're all committed to keep on going until one of us says 'stop it'."

Speaking about what will be McVie's first Fleetwood Mac tour since 1998, Stevie Nicks told NBC's Today show: "She had us all seriously convinced that she would never come back."

McVie, who recently divorced, says that she had become "very isolated" at her home in rural Kent. "I was spending a lot of time in the country on my own, and it started to play tricks on me and made me quite ill and depressed," she said.

"I started to think, 'What am I doing? I really miss that camaraderie with those four people. I miss everything about it.'"

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Imelda May covers Elton on Yellow Brick reissue

Liberties Belle Imelda May is among the artists who cover Elton John's classics on the 40th anniversary re-release of his landmark double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

May sings Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'N Roll) while Ed Sheeran interprets Candle In The Wind on the new reissue. 

Also included is a 1973 DVD documentary entitled Elton John And Bernie Taupin Say Goodbye To Norma Jean And Other Things, and a live performances from Hammersmith Odeon in London.

The repackage comes in a number of formats -  single-CD remaster, a 2-CD deluxe edition or the 4-CD/1-DVD super-deluxe edition that includes the DVD documentary. The super deluxe version also features a 100-page hardback book and two CDs' containing live tracks. 

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was recorded in 17 days, including the mixing at Château d'Hérouville, a studio near Paris which John had dubbed "Honky Château", the title of his previous album. 

The album features the tried-and-trusted unit of John on vocals and piano, Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass and drummer Nigel Olsson who had been playing together since 1971's Madman Across the Water. 

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crowe thanks Dublin for the smiles and Guinness

Russell Crowe has thanked Dublin for "the welcome, the turn out, the smiles and the Guinness" after his whistlestop visit to town for the Noah premiere.

Making his first visit to Ireland since 2006, Crowe attended a screening of his $94m Biblical epic in Dublin's Savoy cinema and snuck in a pint of the black stuff in Kehoe's pub while he was in town.

Before his arrival as part of the promotional blitz for the controversial movie, the 49-year-old Australian actor tweeted: "Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff, red carpets and all. Will have a Guinness in Dublin, a single malt in Edinburgh."

Crowe, who is of Irish, Scottish and Welsh heritage, couldn't decide which city he most wanted the movie to premiere in, so he opted to visit all three in one day.

Crowe features in the lead role in Noah which also co-stars Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone and Anthony Hopkins, Noah is due for general release next Friday.

However, some groups have criticised the movie as a disrespectful portrayal of events in the Bible.

"We have endured 12 to 14 months of irrational criticism and now people are starting to see it and to realise how respectful it is," Crowe said in response.

"And how true to the source material it is and how intense an experience it is in the movie theatre, you know, so that's cool."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Guests ditch make-up for Saturday Night Show

The Saturday Night Show on RTÉ One at 9:55pm will take the #NoMakeUpSelfies craze up a level when Amanda Brunker, Nuala Carey, Norah Casey and Daniella Moyles appear without make-up to help the Irish Cancer Society.

Also on Saturday's show, journalist Nell McCafferty will talk to host Brendan O'Connor about regrets, feminism and lessons she has learned as she turns 70.

After his candid video last week, TV presenter Eoghan McDermott will discuss why he self-harmed.

The up-and-coming Morrissey and Marshall will be the musical guests on the night.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

SNL's Will Forte Dublin-bound with new film

Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock star Will Forte is coming to Dublin next week to present an award at the Irish Film and Television Awards and to attend a special screening of his new Irish-made film Run & Jump, in association with National Stroke Week.

The Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) take place on Saturday April 5 at the DoubleTree by Hilton and will be shown live on RTÉ One at 9:35pm.

Run & Jump, which tells the story of a young family re-adjusting after the father suffers a stroke, is nominated in four categories at the IFTAs: Best Film, Best Script (Ailbhe Keogan), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Edward MacLiam) and Best Editing (Nathan Nugent).

It opens in Irish cinemas on Friday May 2.

National Stroke Week runs from April 6 to 13, and Nebraska star Forte will attend a special screening of Run & Jump with co-star Edward MacLiam, director Steph Green and writer Ailbhe Keogan at the Light House Cinema on Sunday April 6, which will be followed by a Q&A.

For more on National Stroke Week, see www.stroke.ie.

Run & Jump has already won the Silver Spike Feature Award at the Valladolid International Film Festival, Best First Feature at the New York Irish Film Festival and Best Feature at the Galway Film Fleadh.

Shot over a six-week period in Wicklow and Kerry, it was part-funded by RTÉ and has been released in North America by Sundance Selects, the sister division of IFC Films.

Watch an RTÉ TEN interview with Run & Jump director Steph Green at: http://bit.ly/1jBS7gL.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kodaline: "It's starting to get serious now"

Kodaline guitarist Mark Prendergast has said the band is in a good place at the moment and that it's starting to get serious for them.

Speaking to Bang Showbiz he said, "It's starting to get serious now... We're in a good place at the moment. There are about 15 songs that are there, we're probably going to write and record about another 15 and then pick our favourite 10 or 11 and go into the studio.

"It's obviously going to sound similar [to their early material] but on our first album, Jay, our bass player, didn't have a lot to do with writing because he wasn't around, we didn't have him yet. He's writing some great songs now. So it's the whole influence of having somebody else involved and he'll have a huge impact on the second album. It's probably a lot better."

On who he would like to work with he added, "Rick Rubin would be amazing. Pharrell would be a lot of fun, he's untouchable, he's king of the world right now."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

New EastEnder "to offend everyone"

New EastEnders star Timothy West has promised that there will be plenty of fireworks when his character, Stan Carter, moves in with son Mick (Danny Dyer) in the Queen Vic next week.

Stan moves in to recuperate after a hospital stay - and wastes no time in making his opinions known to his family.

West told Radio Times: "He manages to offend everyone because he hasn't got any kind of social tact at all. In fact, if he was confronted about not having any social tact, he would ask what social tact was and why it was necessary."

West continued: "There are members of the family that he finds more congenial than others. He likes Johnny (Sam Strike) but can't really cope with the fact he is gay. Yet after an initial, very rude couple of outbursts about both Tina (Luisa Bradshaw-White) and Johnny being gay, he warms to them both."

As for the troubled father-son relationship between Stan and Mick, West said: "Mick very much blames Stan for things that have gone wrong for him. And there are things that he doesn't know about, things that he is confused about and things he's unhappy about.

"It's all so complicated. We're finding out more and more about the past history."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Albert Hall hosts very special Irish night

Paul Brady, Glen Hansard, Imelda May, Dermot O'Leary, Olivia O'Leary and Joseph O'Connor are among those taking part in Ceiliúradh (Celebration) at the Royal Albert Hall next month to mark President Higgins and his wife Sabina's State visit to Britain.

President and Mrs Higgins will be guests of honour at the evening of music, spoken word and dance on Thursday April 10, which will be broadcast live on the RTÉ Player and on RTÉ Radio 1 and screened on RTÉ Television later that evening.

Also taking part will be Lisa Hannigan, The Gloaming, Villagers' Conor O'Brien, Eimear Quinn and actress Fiona Shaw, with surprise guests promised on the night.

The house band will include acclaimed musicians Liam Bradley, John Carty, Anthony Drennan, Graham Henderson, Dónal Lunny, Mike McGoldrick, Paul Moore, Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Máirtín O'Connor and Brendan Power.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan said: "This is an important concert which will allow Irish creativity, performance and talent to shine as part of this historic visit."

The Minister continued: "Promoted by the Culture Ireland division of my Department, the concert will be a unique and intimate evening of shared stories, music, song and dance.

"Importantly, this occasion offers us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate our exceptional and long-standing cultural connections with Britain."

He added: "I hope it will encourage, deepen and strengthen these relationships, which benefit us both, into the future.

"I am delighted that this unique concert will be live streamed by RTÉ. The Diaspora, and those who love Irish culture throughout the world, can enjoy the evening. In Ireland, people will be able to listen live on RTÉ Radio 1 or view the concert later that evening when broadcast on TV."

The Royal Albert Hall's Chief Executive, Chris Cotton, said: "It is an enormous honour to welcome the President of Ireland to the Hall for this special event on the occasion of his first State visit to the United Kingdom. I would encourage everyone to join in and become a part of this historic celebration of our shared culture."

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Irish Youth Foundation (UK).

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Eason reveal Top 10 Irish 'mammyisms'

With Mother's Day just a few days away (Sunday, March 30) book giants Eason have compiled a list of the top ten most popular Irish mammy sayings.

The results are based on a Facebook poll out of 252 votes.

Top Ten Irish Mammy Sayings:

1.If you fall off that wall and break your legs, don't come running to me!  

2.Do you think I'm made of money? 

3.Close the door! Were you born in a barn?

4.What part on 'no' don't you understand? 

5.How do you know you don't like it if you haven't tasted it?

6.A little birdy told me. 

7.If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times. 

8.Do you think this is a hotel? 

9.Stop running down those stairs! 

10.Are your hands broken? Pick it up yourself! I'm not your maid. 

Does your mum say any of the above?

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Game of Thrones stars at season preview in Dublin

Game of Thrones stars Liam Cunningham, Kristian Nairn and Michael McElhatton were in Dublin last night at a special preview of the first episode of the show's fourth season.

The four stars, who play Ser Davos Seaworth, Hodor, Barristan Selmy and Roose Bolton respectively, took part in a question and answer segment with the gathered fans at the Light House Cinema.

Game of Thrones returns to Sky Atlantic on April 7. It will first air simultaneously with the show's US transmission so viewers this side of the pond can tune in at 2am. After the 2am transmission the episode will be available to Sky On Demand customers, with another transmission scheduled for 9pm that night.

Liam Cunningham

Michael McElhattan, Kristian Nairn, Liam Cunningham and Ian McIllhinney took part in a Q&A session at the screening.

Kristian Nairn, Liam Cunningham and Ian McIllhinney

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

MasterChef Ireland final 10 now complete

The remaining two places in the final 10 of MasterChef Ireland were decided on RTÉ One on Wednesday night.

In the last of the heats, Sonya Hylton and Nick Watson secured their places, with Stephanie Manahan and Niall O'Connor hanging up their MasterChef Ireland aprons.

The Final 10: Edel Byrne, Nessa Collinge, Rich Dales, Charlie Day, Diana Dodog, Sonya Hylton, Mark McGrath, Niamh Mannion, Hugh Mullan, Nick Watson.

MasterChef Ireland continues on RTÉ One on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 8:30pm.

For more on MasterChef Ireland, visit: www.rte.ie/masterchef.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Iron Man changed Robert Downey Jr's life

Robert Downey Jr has revealed that he begged to be cast as Iron Man.

The 48-year-old actor told Variety that nerves were never a factor in deciding to accept the role as part of the Iron Man and Avengers films.

He said: "Nervous? I was begging. I was absolutely certain [Iron Man] would change my life."

Downey, who has also played Sherlock Holmes, revealed that he has no problem with someone younger taking over the superhero role when he gets too old to play Iron Man.

"The smart money is you have to look at everybody's age. I'll put myself at the top of the list. Sooner or later, they've got to start over and get somebody young.

"I'm not there with them yet. It really is the closest thing to being a beloved contract player with a big old-timey studio that there is right now.

"When you really think about it at the end of the day, these films are entertainment largely driven by young folks. There is something very honourable about that."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Corrie legend Liz Dawn wishes she had left earlier

Former Coronation Street star, Liz Dawn, has said she wishes she had departed from the show earlier than she did.

Speaking at the waxwork unveiling for her character at Madame Tussauds, the 74-year-old actress revealed that her health problems had made the latter days of her 30-odd years on the show difficult. 

Dawn was diagnosed with the lung disease emphysema in 2004 yet continued playing Vera Duckworth until early 2008.

Dawn said: "I wish I had left before. It was a bit of a struggle. Some days I would have to sit in the car for about ten minutes before I had the energy to even start the engine.

She added: "I used to have more and more notes on that table in the Duckworth's living room. The cameramen used to tell me to move my notes off the sauce bottle or from under the sugar basin.

Despite retiring from the show in 2008, Dawn revealed that fans still recognise her.

She said: "I've been left eight years [sic] now and I've been going on a lot of cruises. Everywhere I go people make a fuss. They say, 'Oh Vera , we do miss you'. And I think, 'Good God, I've been dead eight years!'" 

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Win! Tickets for Russell Crowe's Noah screening

Russell Crowe is coming to Dublin this Saturday for a special screening of his new epic, Noah - and you could be there!

2fm's Rick O'Shea is giving away tickets for Saturday's special premiere in Dublin's Savoy.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, and seeing Mr Crowe introduce his new film in person, tune into Rick in the Afternoon from 2pm to 4.30pm today and tomorrow, Friday March 28, on 2fm.

Speaking to RTÉ TEN, O'Shea said: "People don't value pens quite as much as they used to so now I have to give them Russell Crowe!"

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, Noah also stars Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Watson and opens in cinemas on Friday April 4.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Watch! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trailer

The latest incarnation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a live-action movie – and it's just released a trailer.

The half-shelled heroes, who began life in Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird's 1984 comic book, and went on to spawn animated TV shows and movies.

This latest version will star Megan Fox as Channel 6 News reporter April O'Neil and William Fichtner as Shredder, the turtles' enemy.

As for the four turtles, Alan Ritchson plays Raphael, Noel Fisher is Michelangelo, Jeremy Howard is Donatello, Pete Ploszek is Leonardo. Danny Woodburn is starring as their mentor, Splinter, with the characters being brought to life through motion-capture for the first time.

Will Arnett is in the supporting cast as April's cameraman Vernon Fenwick, while Whoopi Goldberg plays Bernadette Thompson, an editor at Channel 6 News.

Jonathan Liebesman is the director, and the film is due to open in cinemas on August 8 in the US and October 17 on this side of the Atlantic.

Here's the trailer:

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cowell making X Factor move for Rihanna

It's been reported in the UK media that Simon Cowell is attempting to hire Rihanna for the X Factor judging panel.

Cowell - who is set to return to the show along with Cheryl Cole - is hoping the Barbadian-born superstar will join because she could help make the ITV show more popular than BBC One rival Strictly Come Dancing.

"Simon and Cheryl have two months to find someone to sit in that chair and they want to get the right person," a source told the Daily Star.

"This year is an important one for X Factor. Simon can't be complacent and has to come back with a real A-Team.

"Rihanna would be a shock selection because she is not an obvious choice for a family show - but that's what he wants."

Cowell (54) previously revealed he will include Cole (30) in any discussions regarding the panel and she will have final say on new appointments.

It's thought the pair are at odds over whether to rehire the X Factor's longest serving judge, Irish boy band supremo, Louis Walsh.

Other names being bandied about include LMFAO rapper Redfoo - who is a judge on the Australian version of X Factor - and Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie.

An ITV spokesperson said: "The only judges confirmed this year are Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole, the rest of the judging panel will be announced in due course."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brosnan and Neeson team up again

Having worked together on western Seraphim Falls, Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson will team up again on a very different project: a Belfast-filmed Christmas story which will be made by the Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People.

A Christmas Star will see industry professionals helping young people from across Northern Ireland bring the project from page to screen and marks the beginning of Cinemagic's 25th anniversary celebrations.

Brosnan and Neeson are both patrons of Cinemagic, with BBC, UTV and Panavision set to work in partnership with the festival to produce and premiere the film.

Cinemagic Chief Executive Joan Burney Keatings said: "Our Christmas feature film, a first for Northern Ireland, will bring young people from different cultural backgrounds together, and representatives from the worlds of film, television, music and sport will collaborate to celebrate creativity and highlight the importance of developing young people's skills and offering young people unique film and television related opportunities."

Call-out details for the film will be announced in May, with filming taking place in October.

For more details, visit: www.cinemagic.org.uk.

For more on the upcoming Dublin Cinemagic Festival for four to 25-year-olds, visit: www.cinemagic.ie.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Russell Crowe bringing Noah to Dublin

Russell Crowe is coming to Dublin this weekend for a special screening of his new epic Noah.

The screening will take place at the Savoy Cinema on Saturday March 29.

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, Noah also stars Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman and Douglas Booth.

It will be released in Irish cinemas on Friday April 4.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Irish among BAFTA's Craft nominees

Writer Graham Linehan, production designer Mark Geraghty and camera operator John Conroy are among the nominees for this year's British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Television Craft Awards.

Linehan is a double nominee in the Best Comedy Writer category for his work on Count Arthur Strong (nominated with star and creator Steve Delaney) and The IT Crowd, with Sam Bain, Jesse Armstrong and Tom Basden (Fresh Meat) and James Corden and Mathew Baynton (The Wrong Mans) completing the shortlist.

Geraghty is nominated for his work on the Dublin-shot Victorian crime drama Ripper Street, with Grant Montgomery (Peaky Blinders), John Stevenson (Burton and Taylor) and Catrin Meredydd (Broadchurch) also on the shortlist.

Conroy is nominated for the Best Photography and Lighting award for his work on Luther, with George Steel (Peaky Blinders), Ashley Rowe (Dancing on the Edge) and Ole Birkeland (Utopia) the other nominees.

The BAFTA Television Craft Awards take place on April 27 in London.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Irish artist wins International Art Prize

Irish sculptor Elaine Byrne won the coveted prize for sculpture at the 8th Arte Laguna International Art Prize held in the Arsenale, Venice, Italy on Saturday night (22nd March).

The winning work RAUM was first shown at the Kevin Kavanagh Gallery in Dublin in January 2013 and will be shown in the Limerick City Gallery in September 2014.

Thirty finalists were shortlisted from over 1,000 entries in the sculpture category with the overall winner being selected by a ten man jury.

The award was presented to Elaine by two of the jurists Miguel Amado (Portugal) and Veeraganakuman Solanki (India) who said the winning work "took a modernist ideal and crossed languages of time to make a current social commentary".

Elaine is the first Irish artist to have won an Arte Laguna prize in any category.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fancy a cold Warnog? - Klingon beer launched

They were among the Federation's fiercest enemies in the first incarnation of Star Trek only to become uneasy allies in The Next Generation and now the Klingons have been honoured with their very own beer here on earth.

Warnog is the second ale from The Federation of Beer, a Canadian company who have an official partnership with the Star Trek franchise. Last year, they began brewing Vulcan Ale, an Irish Red to honour Spock's red home planet of Vulcan.

Now The Federation of Beer have commissioned the "Roggen Dunkel" style ale and named it Warnog to mark the warlike nature of The Klingons. According to the makers, Warnog "incorporates rye malt into a modern Dunkelweizen grain bill, creating a flavour profile that is both familiar and unique.

"Warnog's aroma is predominantly mild banana and clove produced by the German wheat yeast, supported by subtle sweet malt character from the use of Munich malt. The flavour draws heavily from the blending of the rye malt and traditional clove character, creating a very rich and unique flavour."

Make it a cold one, Number One.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bono No 8 in "World's Greatest Leaders" list

Bono has been placed eighth in a list of the world's greatest leaders compiled by Fortune magazine, putting him ahead of The Dalai Lama and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.

The 53-year-old from Glasnevin in Dublin, shares the top ten with such luminaries as The Pope, Bill Clinton and Angela Merkel.

In their short profile, the business magazine says: "Real leadership is when everyone else feels in charge," Bono tells Fortune. And he has lived by this maxim. He helped persuade global leaders to write off debt owed by the poorest countries and encouraged the Bush administration and others to vastly increase AIDS relief.

"Now, through his ONE and (RED) campaigns, he is enlisting major companies and millions of people to combat AIDS, poverty, and preventable diseases."

The full top ten in Fortune's list is

1 Pope Francis

2 Angela Merkel - Chancellor, Germany

3 Alan Mulally - CEO, Ford Motor Co.

4 Warren Buffett - CEO, Berkshire Hathaway

5 Bill Clinton - Founder, the Clinton Foundation

6 Aung San Suu Kyi - Chairk, National League for Democracy

7 Gen. Joe Dunford - Commander, U.S. Forces, Afghanistan

8 Bono - singer

9 The Dalai Lama

10 Jeff Bezos - CEO Amazon

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Watch: No Limbs No Limits trailer

The trailer for next month's Joanne O'Riordan documentary No Limbs No Limits has been released.

Directed and produced by Joanne O'Riordan's brother Steven, No Limbs No Limits is described as a film "which explores Joanne's personal relationships with her family and those she meets on a daily basis".

Director O'Riordan said: "All my life I've had a fascination with my sister, and since I was 12 I have filmed her and watched her grow into an inspiring young woman that has not just enriched my life, but that of others, too.

"Joanne is literally only one of seven people in the world living with a rare physical condition known as Total Amelia.

"This means she was born without all four limbs, and even though there is no medical explanation as to why Joanne was born this way, Joanne and, indeed, my family have never allowed it to hold her back.

"No Limbs No Limits, I believe, is an education on how the human spirit can triumph over adversity, how sheer determination can overcome any barrier."

No Limbs No Limits is released in cinemas nationwide on Friday April 11.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Four sent home on The Voice of Ireland

Four hopefuls were sent home last night on the second live show of  The Voice of Ireland.

12 acts performed last night with the act with the highest vote from each team going straight through to the next round.

The coaches then had to decide who should stay and who should go from the bottom two with some heated debate and Jamelia accusing her fellow panellists that they were voting strategically. 

In the end it was Peter Whitford, Martin McInerney, Padraig Byrne and Craig McMorrow who were shown the door.

Dolores O'Riordan had to choose between Peter Whitford and Emma Walsh on her team and selected the "person with the most confidence" to go through.

Kian Egan chose to save Danica Holland over Craig as he thought she was the better singer.

Jamelia took Aisling though over Martin while Bressie sent Padraig home.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Irish film Frank for Sundance London

Following its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah earlier this year, the Irish film Frank is to receive its UK premiere at next month's Sundance London festival.

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson and starring Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Frank tells the story of Jon (Gleeson), a wannabe musician who throws in his lot with an avant-garde group, "led by the mysterious and enigmatic Frank (Fassbender) and his terrifying sidekick Clara (Gyllenhaal)".

Sundance London runs at the city's O2 from April 25 to 27.

Produced by Irish company Element Pictures, Frank opens in Irish cinemas on May 9.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Riverdance welcomes 25 millionth punter

Riverdance reached another milestone at Munich's Olympiahalle at the weekend, when it welcomed the 25 millionth member of the public to see the show.

As he took his seat, Andreas Eschemann from Munich was told the news by Riverdance's promoter in Germany, Hermjo Klein.

At the end of the show, Eschemann was brought on stage, where lead dancers Chloey Turner and James Greenan presented him with his prize: a trip to Dublin to see Riverdance at the Gaiety Theatre this summer.

Riverdance will be at the Gaiety Theatre from June 23 to August 31.

According to Riverdance's publicists, these are just a few of the stars that have seen the show since its debut: Michael Ball, Shirley Bassey, Candice Bergen, Juliette Binoche, Boy George, Pierce Brosnan, Kate Bush, Gabriel Byrne, Helena Christiansen, Frances Fisher, Fionnula Flanagan, Whoopi Goldberg, Goldie Hawn, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Val Kilmer, Diane Ladd, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Joanna Lumley, Madonna, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Helen Mirren, Liam Neeson, Olivia Newton-John, Jack Nicholson, Oasis, Alan Rickman, Diana Ross, Brooke Shields, Christian Slater, Meryl Streep, Twiggy, U2, Sigourney Weaver, Colm Wilkinson, Robin Williams and Ronnie Wood.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

First Look: Dwayne Johnson as Hercules

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has revealed the first official picture from upcoming action movie Hercules: The Thracian Wars.

The 41-year-old wrestler and actor, who is set to take on the lead role in the fantasy adventure, captioned the shot: "The world's first superhero. #TilDeathOrVictory."

Directed by Brett Ratner (Prison Break, Horrible Bosses), the movie also stars Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan, John Hurt, Rebecca Ferguson, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Aksel Hennie, Reece Ritchie and Tobias Santelmann.

Hercules: The Thracian Wars hits cinemas on August 8.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Norton: 'I've left it too late to have kids'

Graham Norton has spoken about wanting to become a dad.

The chat show host revealed that although he would have liked to have a family, he feels it's too late now.

He told The Mirror:  "I did consider becoming a dad at one time, but I think I've left it a bit late. I'm a bit long in the tooth now. My dogs are my kids."

Norton, who split from his long-term partner Trevor Patterson in June 2013, also spoke about his upcoming biography The Loves and Lives of a He-devil.

He revealed: "It is going to be about things I really like. So there will be chapters on booze, my dogs, New York, divas and TV."

"Divas are a good thing. There are people you want to be divas. If Madonna wasn't a diva you'd be disappointed.

"Most people are nice once you meet them. And once you have an audience of 600 people they have to play nice."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sport Relief raises record-breaking £51.2 million

Last night's Sport Relief appeal raised a record-breaking £51,242,186 beating the previous record set in 2012 of £50.4m.

The TV appeal lasted 6 hours and featured a host of celebrities, including David Beckham and Kylie Minogue, doing their bit to raise money for the cause.

Little Mix opened the show with their Sport Relief single, a cover of Cameo's Word Up, and footage was shown of their trip to Liberia.

David Walliams and Gary Lineker hosted the event. Linkeker thanked all who donated saying, "We have to thank the British public for their generosity and to everyone who has given their time to make it the best Sport Relief yet. It's simply wonderful that Sport Relief continues to grow. The money raised will help change tens of thousands of lives at home and overseas."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

1D's Midnight Memories best-selling album of 2013

One Direction's third album Midnight Memories has been named the best-selling global album bby the UK's music industry trade association.

Four million copies of the record were sold in just five weeks and went to number one on 19 charts around the world. The list, which is compiled by BPI, takes into consideration downloads, physical album sales and streaming serives.

Gennaro Castaldo of BPI said of One Direction's success, "Around one in eight albums sold around the world are by British artists, and One Direction are certainly playing their part in maintaining this fantastic achievement.

"It all helps to add up to a golden decade of global success for British music, and with some huge albums out later this year, not least from the likes of Coldplay in May and a rumoured new release from Adele, there must be another good chance that a British artist will again top the global best-sellers list come the end of 2014."

Adele's hit album 21 has topped the global best-seller list for the past two years. Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP 2 came in at second place on the 2013 list.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky welcome twin boys

Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky have welcomed twin boys.

A representative for Hemsworth confirmed the births to E! News but they have yet to reveal which names they have chosen for the two little boys.

In January it was announced that the pair were expecting twins and rumours were flying over the last two days that the blonde beauty had given birth as the couple were seen checking into Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre on Thursday.

Hemsworth and Pataky married three years ago and already have a daughter together, India Rose, who will be 2 in May.

Elsa showed off her baby bump at the Oscars earlier this month.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kylie Minogue quitting The Voice UK

Kylie Minogue is exiting The Voice UK after just one series, it has been revealed.

The popstar is quitting the show as filming of the next series will clash with her upcoming tour.

She told The Mirror: "I'm touring this year and the timings wouldn't work. We started filming in November last year for the show and this year I'm on tour in September, October and November."

The Voice UK coaches Ricky Wilson, Tom Jones , will.i.am & Kylie

Minogue also admitted that filming on the show has taken an emotional toll.

She added: "Being on the show is a huge commitment. I have loved it although there have been parts which have been really difficult, too taxing and emotional.

"You can't second guess yourself. You deal with a lot of decisions and emotions."

When asked if she would return to the reality show if the dates were moved, Minogue replied: "I would have to think about it really seriously as I did for this season."

The Voice live shows kick off tonight (March 22) on BBC One at 6.45pm.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Win! Mother's Day dinner for two at Milano

Mother's Day is fast approaching and sometimes it's hard to know what to get that special lady in your life. RTÉ Ten and Milano are giving you the opportunity to treat that someone special in your life to a meal for two in Milano to the value of €100.

Milano's have a fantastic selection of pizzas and now thanks to the recently launched Spring menu, an array of sumptuous low calorie, gluten free and vegan friendly dishes with something for everyone!

Mums are always so busy looking after everyone else, so why not treat your Mum this Mother's Day compliments of RTÉ Ten and Milano.

To be in with a chance simply answer the following question:

Which one of these is the Irish word for mother?
A. Mamma      B. Mum        C. Máthair

Email answers to tencompetitions@rte.ie along with your name and contact number with 'Milano Competition' in the subject line.

Terms and conditions apply. General RTÉ Competition rules apply, a copy of which is viewable here. This competition will close on March 26 2014. One entry per person. Winners will be contacted via email. There is no cash alternative and decision is final. Prize is non-transferrable.

Milano Superfood Salad

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Johansson & Evans at UK Captain America premiere

Actress Scarlett Johansson walked the blue carpet in London last night for the premiere of her film Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

The 29-year-old actress, who is reported to be pregnant with her first child, wore a red dress by Vivienne Westwood teamed with Christian Louboutin animal-print heels.

Johansson who plays the Black Widow in the sequel walked the carpet alongside her co-stars Chris Evans (Captain America/Steve Rogers) and Samuel L Jackson who plays Nick Fury.

This is the third outing for her character with the actress saying to the Press Association "If you want to see a Black Widow spin-off movie, then I want to see it." She added "We'll see. We will put the request into Marvel tomorrow."

She is also due to play the character again in the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier opens next weekend in Ireland.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tom Odell, Public Enemy for Indiependence

Public Enemy, White Lies, Tom Odell and Delorentos are among the acts announced for the Indiependence Arts and Music Festival this year.

Now in its fifth year, Indiependence is back for another run in Deer Farm, Mitchelstown and the line up was announced last night featuring a good mix of international and Irish acts.

Public Enemy, White Lies, Tom Odell and the Fun Lovin' Criminals have been announced as the headline acts with Damien Demspey, Delorentos, The Sultans of Ping, Walking on Cars and We Cut Corners also on the bill.

Indiependence takes place from August 1 – 3, 2014 with tickets on sale now. 

For more information visit www.indiependencefestival.com

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Keegan ditching tan for final Corrie scenes

Michelle Keegan is set to ditch her perma-tan look in a bid to achieve paler skin for her final scenes in Coronation Street.

The 26-year-old star, who plays Tina McIntyre in the popular soap, is worried that the tan she obtained for her recent holiday to Dubai may impact the credibility of her on-screen death.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Keegan said: "I've only got four more weeks left on Corrie and so it will soon be the death scenes, so I literally need to be as white as a sheet."

She added: "I was only away for a week and wore the highest factor sunscreen to protect my skin, but I just tan so easily. The only problem now is I need my tan to fade - and fast!

"I'm praying there isn't more sunshine in Manchester in the next few weeks, because I'm going to have to stay indoors if there is.

"If I don't fade it will just be a case of lots of make-up to make me look paler."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Aslan announce Olympia gig and new single

Aslan are set to take to the stage of the Olympia on May 31, 2014. This will be the band's first gig since Christy Dignam's illness.

Dignam (53) was diagnosed with cancer last year after seeking medical help for what was assumed to be a chest infection.

The exciting announcement was made at a press conference in the Gresham Hotel this morning.

RTÉ's Sinéad Crowley tweeted the news, writing: "#aslan to play gig at Olympia 31 May, first one since Christy Dignams illness."

She later tweeted: "#aslan Christy says he feels well and looking forward to gig."

The lads also announced that they have a new single on the way, with Sinéad posting: "#aslan new single on way."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jennifer Maguire for Saturday Night Show

This week on The Saturday Night Show, Katherine Lynch and Jennifer Maguire will be joining Brendan O'Connor to chat about their brand new sit-com, The Centre.

The comedy starts on RTÉ Two on Monday, 24th March.

Also coming straight from Mountjoy Prison, Margaretta D'Arcy speaks exclusively to Brendan about her campaigning life and her time behind bars.

The 79-year-old Aosdána member, who is suffering from cancer and has arthritis, has just completed three months behind bars after being imprisoned in mid-January for refusing to sign a bail bond to uphold the law and keep away from unauthorised zones at Shannon airport.

The Saturday Night Show is at 9.30pm, Saturday, RTÉ One 

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Eamonn Quinn joins Dragons' Den panel

Eamonn Quinn of the Quinn dynasty, formerly of Superquinn, will replace Sean O'Sullivan on the sixth series of Dragons' Den.

Quinn will join the four existing Dragons, Ramona Nicholas, Barry O'Sullivan, Peter Casey and seasoned hand Gavin Duffy to put Ireland's top entrepreneurs and investors through their paces.

The ten part series will see a host of original and unique ideas pitched to the Dragons with everything from bull semen to flavoured butter.

But will the Dragons invest? And if more than one Dragon is interested who will come out on top?

You can catch Dragons' Den on RTÉ One on March 23 (Sunday) at 9.30pm.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Watch! Kian Egan on going solo and Westlife

Former Westlifer and King of the celebrity jungle Kian Egan talks to RTÉ Ten about his debut solo album, why he's always been a softie, and why Westlife left him so stressed out.

Click on the video link above to watch our interview.

Read RTÉ Ten's review of Home.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Obama says Ellen took a cheap shot with selfie

US President Barack Obama joked with Ellen DeGeneres that he was not impressed that she overtook his record for the most retweeted tweet. 

Barack Obama spoke to Ellen DeGeneres live from the White House yesterday, when she called to check that he was looking after himself while the First Lady, Michelle Obama, is away in China.

Barack told Ellen that he had not made the bed since Michelle had left but he had done his exercise and snacked on crisps and carrots. 

Ellen also seized the moment to brag that she had beaten the US President's record of the most retweeted tweet with her Oscars' selfie, which featured some of Hollywood's A-list stars. 

She said: "I was aiming to break your record of retweets and I apologise for doing it, but I broke your retweet record."

Barack responded: "I heard about that. I thought it was a pretty cheap stunt myself getting a bunch of celebrities in the background."

Check out the full interview below: 

RTÉ is not responsible for content on external websites 

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Chris O'Dowd makes Broadway debut

Chris O'Dowd made his Broadway debut last night (March 19) alongside James Franco in the stage adaptation of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. 

Boyle native O'Dowd and Franco star as Lennie Small and George Milton respectively in the play, overseen by Tony Award-winning director Anna D Shapiro.

The classic 1937 novel tells the tale of migrant field workers George and Lennie, who travel through California looking for labour during the Great Depression.

O'Dowd and Franco recently spoke to The New York Times about working together for the first time and it appears the pair are having a great time both on and off the stage. 

When asked what he thought Franco would be like O'Dowd responded: "He's 90 percent less stoned than I was expecting. Also, I knew he'd be really smart, but he's proven me wrong every day with that!

"I'd honestly heard great things about him. We have mutual friends, and everyone was like, 'You know what? He's an odd dude, but I think you'll really like him.'"

Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester also stars in the stage adaptation as the flirtatious wife of ranch owner's son Curley, posing a threat to O'Dowd's mentally-challenged character Lennie.

Jim Norton plays the role of Candy and Jim Parrack is Slim.

O'Dowd's wife, TV presenter and author Dawn O'Porter, tweeted about how proud she was of her husband treading the boards for the first time in New York. She said: "Pacing the house in LA knowing that @BigBoyler is about to perform the first preview of Of Mice and Men on Broadway tonight. #PROUD

Franco has also taken to Twitter to share his excitement of being part of the show.

Of Mice and Men opened for previews at the Longacre Theatre yesterday, with an official opening scheduled for April 16.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fair City to get its first Credit Union

RTÉ and the Irish League of Credit Unions have teamed-up for a three-year sponsorship deal which will bring the first ever credit union to Fair City's Carrigstown.

Commenting on the sponsorship Jane Gogan, Head of Drama, RTÉ Television said: "The presence of the Credit Union in Fair City is a natural fit for our drama in that it reflects the values and mores of community life in Ireland. We are very pleased with this development and how it fits into our plans to make the show better and more relevant for RTÉ's audience."

You can catch Fair City tonight (March 20) on RTÉ One at 8pm.

 

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Other Voices 12th season begins on March 30

John Grant, Bell X1, Hozier, David Gray, George Ezra, and Mogwai are among the acts performing on Other Voices when it returns for its 12th season on RTÉ Two on March 30.

The new series, again hosted by The Wire and Love/Hate star Aidan Gillen, began shooting last December in St James' Church in Dingle before heading North in February to record, for the second year, at The Glassworks in Derry. 
       
Over six weeks, the hit music show will feature one-off performances, intimate acoustic sessions, and interviews with Gray, Ezra, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Grant, Bell X1, Mogwai, Patty Griffin, Agnes Obel, and David Arnold.

"Platform Rising" stars will include Hozier, The Gloaming, Ásgeir, Lisa O'Neill, East India Youth, Poliça, Public Service Broadcasting, Foy Vance, and Walking On Cars.

Other Voices will also introduce new artists, Willis Earl Beal, The Amazing Snakeheads, The Bohicas, Josef Salvat, new Irish supergroup Little Matador, Rosie Carney, Samantha Crain and Lulu James.
 
The first programme on March 30 at 10.30pm on RTÉ Two features music and conversation with The Gloaming, William Doyle aka East India Youth, Hozier and newcomer Roise Carney. In The IMRO Other Room are The Clameens and Slow Skies.

Here's the full list of Other Voices episodes:

Programme 1 - 30th March
East India Youth
The Gloaming
Hozier
Rosie Carney
The Clameens / Slow Skies           

Programme 2 - 6th April
David Gray
Patty Griffin
Little Matador
Polica
Vann Music / Conor Walsh

Programme 3 - 13th April
George Ezra
The Amazing Snakeheads
Colm Mac Con Iomaire
Agnes Obel
Josef Salvat
Mojo Gogo / Pinhole   

Programme 4 - 20th April
Public Service Broadcasting
John Grant
The Bohicas
Samantha Crain
Wonder Villains / Grim            

Programme 5 - 27th April
Ásgeir
Foy Vance
Bell X1
Lisa O'Neill
Other Creatures / Silences

Programme 6 - 4th May
Mogwai
Walking on Cars
Lulu James
David Arnold
Willis Earl Beal
Sive / Spies

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Watch! Eleanor Tiernan's "It's not your fault"

Comedian Eleanor Tiernan nearly stole the show when she put Ireland on the psychiatrist's couch at the We Need to Talk about Ireland event on St Patrick's night in Dublin's Mansion House. Watch her diagnosis here!

Eleanor read out a tongue in cheek litany of Ireland's many mistakes, hang-ups, and minor tragedies over the years on the night which was organised by RTÉ and Trailblaze.

Shown exclusively on the RTÉ Player, the event attracted writers, musicians, and comedians to explore "what it means to be Irish in 2014."

It wasn't all talk though - Daithi and Iarla O Lionaird, along with Crash Ensemble, raised the rafters at the Mansion House too.

You can watch We Need to Talk About Ireland on the RTÉ Player and the RTÉ YouTube channel. Check out these highlights.

"It's not your fault!" Comedian Eleanor Tiernan puts Ireland on the psychiatrist's couch

Journalist and author Justine McCarthy looks at "what went wrong" over the past 100 years

Dublin theatre-maker Grace Dyas on addiction

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Need for Speed tops Irish box office

Petrolhead action film Need for Speed debuted at the top of the Irish box office last weekend with The Lego Movie and The Grand Budapest Hotel in second and third place.

It was the lowest grossing weekend of 2014 so far with Need for Speed taking €109k to hit No 1 and The Lego Movie passing the €3 million mark with a weekend take of €97k.

Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel is still proving hugely popular with irish audiences and took €92k over the St Patrick's Day weekend.

Irish box office top 10 March 14 to 16.

1 Need For Speed - €109,000
2 The Lego Movie - €97,000
3 The Grand Budapest Hotel - €92,000
4 The Stag - €86,000
5 Non-Stop - €73,000
6 300: Rise Of An Empire - €72,000
7 Muppets Most Wanted - €68,222
8 Dallas Buyers Club - €49,000
9 Ride Along - €32,000
10 The Book Thief - €28,000

Source: Rentrak

You can read all of RTÉ Ten's film reviews here.

23.38 | 0 komentar | Read More

RTÉ TEN TV picks for March 19

It's the final episode of Line of Duty's second season (9.00pm, BBC Two), MasterChef Ireland (8.30pm, RTÉ One) sees another six contestants in the kitchen, while W1A, the follow-up to the award-winning comedy Twenty Twelve arrives on BBC Two (9.00pm).

Line of Duty, 9.00pm, BBC 2

This second season – with Keeley Hawes as the apparently framed DI Lindsay Denton - has been superb so here's hoping for a fitting finale and a feasible explanation of what the hell is going on here. AC-12's investigation exposes a vicious criminal gang run from within the police, aided by 'The Caddy', whose identity Cottan apparently uncovered thanks to the help of former colleague DC Morton. Dryden is charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, vindicating Hastings' stance.

MasterChef Ireland, 8.30pm, RTÉ One

A foodie alternative to the Champions League, we're up to heat three and Nick and Dylan welcome the next set of cooks into the MasterChef kitchen. 25-year-old student Darina from Killarney hopes to show that she has a natural flair in the kitchen, while Irish Army man Liam only got married in France a few days before entering the kitchen. For mother of two Edel, entering the MasterChef kitchen is a dream come true. Kerri, Michael and Nessa are the three other contestants.

W1A, 10.00pm, BBC 2

This four-part mockumentary stars Hugh Bonnevill, Jessica Hynes and Sarah Parish and is the follow-up to Twenty Twelve, the BAFTA-winning comedy series by the BBC about the run-up to the London Olympics. Ian (Bonneville) Fletcher's first challenge on arriving at New Broadcasting House as he takes up his new job as Head of Values at the BBC, is to find somewhere to sit in a building aggressively over-designed around the dubious principle of not having a desk.

23.38 | 0 komentar | Read More

Portishead, Outkast, Beck for Electric Picnic

Portishead, Outkast, Beck, Foals and Chic featuring Nile Rodgers are among the acts confirmed for August's Electric Picnic at Stradbally Estate, Co Laois.

This year's festival runs from August 29 to 31, with Pet Shop Boys, Paolo Nutini, Lily Allen, St Vincent and Simple Minds also on the bill.

London Grammar, Metronomy, Slowdive, Laura Mvula, Annie Mac, Flume, The Stranglers, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, The Blades, The Wailers, Omar Souleyman, White Denim, Temples, Sohn, Jungle, Fka Twigs, Bicep, Kaytranada and John Wizards are the other acts in the first line-up announcement.

Tickets are on sale from 7:00pm on March 19, with more details available at: www.electricpicnic.ie.

Ticket Pricing Information:
Between March 19 and April 18
€154.50 if you can prove you've been to three or more Electric Picnics

€174.50 if you can prove you've been to the Electric Picnic once/twice before

€194.50 if you haven't been before

Family Weekend Camping ticket as above (two children under-12 permitted per adult free of charge)

Sunday Day Tickets: €90 (No camping permitted)

April 19 - July 4 midnight
€194.50 weekend for tickets

After July 4 midnight
€229.50 weekend for tickets

Campervan Tickets for access to Regular and Family Campervan Parks are €60.

23.38 | 0 komentar | Read More

Another two leave MasterChef Ireland kitchen

Two more contestants left the MasterChef Ireland kitchen in the third heat of the show on RTÉ One on Tuesday night, as judges Dylan McGrath and Nick Munier continued to whittle down the numbers as they search to complete the final 10.

Warning: spoiler alert!

The two amateur chefs whose participation in the competition came to an end were Kerri Ward and Michael Corr.

In Wednesday night's show on RTÉ One at 8:30pm, Liam Murray, Darina Coffey, Edel Byrne and Nessa Collinge will try to secure their place in the final 10 of the competition.

Darina and Nessa will be working a busy lunch service in Town restaurant in Dublin, with Edel and Liam working in the city's Fallon & Byrne.

For more on MasterChef Ireland and all the recipes, visit: www.rte.ie/masterchef.

23.38 | 0 komentar | Read More

O'Carroll among Royal Television Society winners

Mrs Brown's Boys creator and star Brendan O'Carroll was the winner of the Best Comedic Performance award at the Royal Television Society Awards in London on Tuesday night.

O'Carroll had been nominated in the category alongside Rebecca Front for Psychobitches and Ryan Sampson for PLEBS.

The Cillian Murphy-starring Peaky Blinders won the award for Best Drama Series, beating My Mad Fat Diary and Utopia to the trophy.

Olivia Colman was named Best Actress for her performance in Broadchurch, with Idris Elba winning Best Actor for his work in Luther.

Broadchurch also won the award for Best Drama Serial, with Coronation Street winning the Best Soap and Continuing Drama award.

Other winners included: Game of Thrones (Best International Programme), Educating Yorkshire (Best Documentary Series), The Last Leg (Best Entertainment Programme), Alan Carr (Best Entertainment Performance) and Stephen Fry (Best Presenter for Stephen Fry: Out There).

Corrie's Katy Cavanagh, Antony Cotton & Brooke Vincent

Broadchurch actress Jodie Whittaker

The Winners:

Actress
Olivia Colman - Broadchurch

Actor
Idris Elba - Luther

Arts
Imagine...Vivian Maier: Who Took Nanny's Pictures

Children's Fiction
Dumping Ground

Children's Programme
Hard Times - A Newsround Special

Comedy Performance
Brendan O'Carroll - Mrs Brown's Boys

Daytime
Four Rooms

Documentary Series
Educating Yorkshire

Drama Serial
Broadchurch

Drama Series
Peaky Blinders

Entertainment
The Last Leg

Entertainment Performance
Alan Carr - Alan Carr: Chatty Man

History
Richard III: King in the Car Park

International
Game of Thrones

Live Event
The Ashes - 2013

Popular, Factual and Features
Gogglebox

Presenter
Stephen Fry - Stephen Fry: Out There

Science and Natural History
Africa

Scripted Comedy
PLEBS

Single Documentary
The Murder Trial

Single Drama
The Challenger

Soap and Continuing Drama
Coronation Street

Sports Presenter, Commentator or Pundit
Gary Neville - Sky Sports

Sports Programme
World Athletics - Mo Farah's Double Gold Win

Comedy Writer
James Corden, Mathew Baynton and Tom Basden - The Wrong Mans

Drama Writer
Marlon Smith and Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan - Run

Judges' Award
Janice Hadlow

Lifetime Achievement
David Suchet

23.38 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin for new Netflix comedy

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin will star in a new Netflix comedy called Grace and Frankie.

The Hollywood veterans head the cast of the show as long-time rivals brought together by a rather unusual change in their marital circumstances.

The 13- half-hour episode first season is written and created by Marta Kauffman, Howard J Morris and Paula Weinstein. Grace and Frankie will premiere next year on Netflix.

"Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are among the funniest and most formidable actresses ever and it's an incredible privilege to give them the opportunity to run riot on Netflix," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer.

"The show created for them by Marta and Howard is warm, very funny and anything but wholesome. We can't wait."

The single-camera comedy focuses on enemies Grace (Fonda) and Frankie (Tomlin), who are facing the last chapter of their lives, though not in the way they might have expected.

When their husbands announce they are in love with each other and plan to get married, the women find their lives both turned upside down and - to their collective dismay - permanently intertwined.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Watch! First look at Paolo Nutini's new video

Check out Better Man, the new single from Paolo Nutini which is being hailed as one of the highlights from his forthcoming album, Caustic Love.

April 11 is D-day for Paolo as he releases his first album in five years. And if early reviews are anything to go by, he's been taking the time to write some sparkling new material.

He releases Better Man tomorrow but RTÉ Ten is giving you an exclusive first look at the video.

Speaking recently, 27-year-old Paolo revealed that, like everyone else, he has had his fair share of ups and down.

"There's been things that have happened over the last couple of years that have been alien to my blissfully ignorant younger self, situations within my family that you just never thought you were going to deal with, conversations you never thought you were going to have, hurdles that you never saw coming that weren't part of your plan when you were 18 and working out how you were going to navigate yourself to 30 if you could."

Paolo also revealed that he is pleased with the hard work, time and effort he has put into the new album. "The best thing, still, is having an idea, and eventually hearing that idea back through a pair of speakers," he told The Sunday Times. "When that works, it leads to such fulfilment and joy."

Paolo is set to play two sold out gigs at the Olympia this week on Thursday (March 22) and Saturday (March 24).

Caustic Love is available to download and buy from April 11, you can pre-order your copy here

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Les Dennis makes Corrie debut next week

Les Dennis will make his Coronation Street debut as burglar Michael Rodwell in next Monday's episode, March 24.

Warning: spoiler alert!

Rodwell (the character was initially named Rogers) is surprised in Gail's (Helen Worth) home and claims he is a gas inspector.

He pushes past Gail and speeds off in a van, with Gail discovering that her favourite necklace has been stolen.

Longtime Coronation Street fan Dennis said of the plot: "I know the storyline is about restorative justice in that Michael Rodwell is not a career burglar."

Dennis continued: "He's a guy who thinks that the house is empty, that nobody will get hurt, they are insured so they will get the money back. He thinks no one is getting harmed.

"But it goes wrong because Gail and Kylie (Paula Lane) come back to the house and find him there."

Dennis added: "He runs away, but will be caught and Gail will be given the chance, through restorative justice, to come face to face with him and let him know how the burglary did indeed hurt her.

"But from that an unlikely friendship will eventually form, which is not going to please her family. So whether he becomes comedic, I don't know."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kate Winslet gets Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Kate Winslet has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Taking to the stand to speak to the crowd that gathered Winslet said, "I'm completely overwhelmed by the number of people that are here today. I honestly had no idea this was going to be quite such a well-attended event, especially after the earthquake this morning, which frightened me quite a lot actually."

Winslet's Revolutionary Road co-star Kathy Bates took to the pulpit to honour her friend saying, "You deserve to have stars strewn at your feet. Even though stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame sometimes get a little dirty with a little poo or whatever, what will last is your wonderful beautiful films, characters that you've played that have stolen our hearts. Nobody can ever poo on those."

Also there to support the 38-year-old actress were her Divergent co-star Shailene Woodley and Titanic director James Cameron.

Kathy Bates paid tribute to Winslet.

Kathy Bates, Kate Winslet, Shailene Woodley.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sheryl Crow to headline Sligo Live 2014

Country rock favourite Sheryl Crow will help mark ten years of Sligo Live when she headlines the folk, roots and indie festival this October.

Crow, who has had hits with Whatever Makes You Happy and All I Wanna Do, will perform her only Irish date this year at the Knocknarea Arena at Sligo IT on Bank Holiday Sunday, October 26.

Sligo Live takes place on the Wild Atlantic Way from October 22 to 27 with a line-up including Villagers, Imelda May, and Midlake across a number of venues.

Tickets will go on sale at www.sligolive.ie at 10.00am on Thursday, 27th March 2014.

http://www.sligolive.ie

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Genius alert: Snoopy and Charlie Brown trailer

The first trailer for next year's Snoopy and Charlie Brown: A Peanuts Movie has been released - and 2015 can't come quick enough.

Scheduled for release on October 16, 2015, the 3D film is being directed by Ice Age: Continental Drift director Steve Martino, with The Heat and Bridesmaids director Paul Feig among the producers.

Studio Twentieth Century Fox says: "For the first time ever, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang we know and love from Charles Schulz's timeless Peanuts comic strip will be making their big-screen debut, like they've never been seen before."

The late Charles Schulz's son Craig Schulz and grandson Bryan Schulz are among the writers of the big screen adventure and will also serve as producers.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Love/Hate's Elmo tweets about baby joy

Love/Hate star Laurence Kinlan and his wife Charlene welcomed a baby boy named Ollie into the world today.

The 31-year-old actor, who plays Elmo on the popular RTÉ crime drama, already has a six and a half year old son called Oren.

Taking to his Twitter page, the proud father said that the mum and the newborn are "doing great," writing: "My baby son Ollie was born at 9:47am this morning. Mammy & Baby are doing great. Daddy is ?? and can't wait to leave set to see him."

Kinlan later posted an adorable snap of the little bundle of joy, writing: "I was allowed leave set to see my beautiful son Ollie for a half hour. Cried leaving him :( Back to filming now."

Laurence's Love/Hate co-star Peter Coonan is also expecting to welcome a child with Kim O'Driscoll in the summer.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Iggy & The Stooges drummer Scott Asheton dies

Iggy & The Stooges drummer Scott Asheton has died at the age of 64. He and his guitarist brother Ron were members of the influential band along with frontman Iggy Pop.

The drummer passed away on Saturday (March 15) of undisclosed causes, five years after Ron's death and was remembered as "a great artist" by Pop in a subsequent statement.

Pop wrote on Facebook: "My dear friend Scott Asheton passed away last night. Scott was a great artist, I have never heard anyone play the drums with more meaning than Scott Asheton.

"He was like my brother. He and Ron have left a huge legacy to the world. The Asheton's have always been and continue to be a second family to me.

"My thoughts are with his sister Kathy, his wife Liz and his daughter Leanna, who was the light of his life."

The Ashetons formed The Stooges with Pop and Dave Alexander in Michigan in 1967, with the group later undergoing several line-up changes. Their landmark albums include Funhouse and Raw Power.

Scott took part in a Stooges reunion in 2003, and the band recorded a new studio albums The Weirdness in 2007 and Ready to Die in 2013.

He suffered ill health in recent years, but was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, along with fellow Stooges Iggy Pop, Dave Alexander and James Williamson.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kylie announces Dublin and Belfast shows

Kylie Minogue will play shows in Dublin's 02 and Belfast Odyssey Arena this November as part of her upcoming European tour.

Kylie, whose new single, Into The Blue, from new album Kiss Me Once charted in the Irish Top 10 on Friday, will play 31 shows on the tour in 15 countries - including 12 dates in the UK and Ireland.

Tickets for The O2 show in Dublin are priced from €65.70 including booking fee and tickets for the Odyssey Arena, Belfast are from £55.00 including booking fee. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday March 21 from www.ticketmaster.ie

Kiss Me Once is Kylie's first studio album since 2010's Aphrodite, and her first since signing to Live Nation and Jay Z's Roc Nation Management. The album was executive produced by Kylie and Sia, who also penned the title track.

Kylie also teamed up with man of the moment Pharrell Williams on album track I Was Gonna Cancel.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dáithí Ó Sé's wife Rita gives birth to a baby boy

Dáithí Ó Sé's wife Rita has given birth to a baby boy and the TV presenter announced the news on Twitter.

The Rose of Tralee presenter – who met Rita at the event – tweeted: "Micheal og O Se 8lbs 15... was born this morning at 11.31 sa Ghaillimh. Mother and baby doing great. Woohoo".

Obviously thrilled that both Rita and Michael Óg are well, the 37-year-old sent a subsequent tweet three minutes later, stating: "Life doesnt get much better than this!"

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

George Michael "swapped cannabis for Corrie"

George Michael has revealed that he has "completely stopped" using cannabis and prefers to watch Coronation Street. However, he is no fan of rival soap EastEnders.

The 50-year-old singer had a history of battling drug use, but has told The Big Issue that he has stayed clean for "well over a year-and-a-half".

In his first print interview for five years, Michael explained that health scares and the time he spent in prison helped him to turn his life around.

"I decided to change my life and I haven't touched it," he said, referring to cannabis.

In 2010 the former Wham! front man, who has just released his new live album Symphonica, was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for driving under the influence of drugs, after crashing his car into a photo shop in London.

"Jail wasn't great. I just thought, get your head down and get on with it. It turned out to be easier than I was expecting because I knew I deserved to be there," he said.

He also suffered from pneumonia while touring in Austria in November 2011. Last May, he received head injuries after falling out of a car while travelling on the UK's M1 motorway.

"It was very frightening . . . I was just so grateful to come out alive," he said of his "pretty horrible experience".

Michael explained that he has swapped his former rock 'n' roll lifestyle for the cosier option of television soaps - and Coronation Street in particular.

"I watch Corrie especially because it's more of a laugh. Even when life is tragic on Coronation Street, it's still funny," he said.

However, Michael was less complimentary about the BBC soap, EastEnders. He's not too happy with that show's treatment of gay characters.

He said: "I hope for their sakes and the sake of gay kids in this country, regardless of their cultural background, that EastEnders gets a clue and begins to acknowledge their responsibility and provide us with gay characters that have no reason to live in fear. We do exist."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

R.E.M. go acoustic for Record Store Day

Former college rock greats turned global mega-band R.E.M. will release their two MTV Unplugged sessions on Record Store Day, making the recordings available for the first time.

The band, who split up in 2011 after thirty years together, were the only act ever to be invited to headline MTV: Unplugged twice and the two acoustic sets will be released as a limited edition four album-set entitled Unplugged: The Complete 1991 and 2001 Sessions on April 19 and will include recordings not included in the original broadcasts.

Guitarist Peter Buck worked in Wuxtry Records in Athens before joining R.E.M. and the band were always advocates for independent record shops. On Record Store Day, bassist Mike Mills will be signing copies of the limited-edition, four-LP set at Bull Moose record store in Scarborough, Maine.

The full tracklisting is: 1991 Unplugged: Half A World Away, Disturbance at the Heron House, Radio Song, Low, Perfect Circle, Fall on Me, Belong, Love Is All Around, Its The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine), Losing My Religion, Pop Song 89, Endgame, Fretless, Swan Swan H, Rotary 11, Get Up, World Leader Pretend.

2001 Unplugged: All The Way To Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star)Electrolite, At My Most Beautiful, Daysleeper, So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry), Losing My Religion, Country Feedback, Cuyahoga, Imitation of Life, Find the River, The One I Love, Disappear, Beat a Drum, I've Been High, I'll Take the Rain, Sad Professor.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Veronica Mars creator wants movie sequel

The film version of cult US TV show Veronica Mars was released last Friday and already there's talk of a cinematic sequel.

Rob Thomas, creator of the original series and writer-director of the movie, told Radio Times that he wants a follow-up to the new fan-funded film.

"The amount of fervour [surrounding this film] was surprising to me," Thomas admitted. "Hopefully there will be more."

The Veronica Mars movie sees Kristen Bell - currently starring alongside Don Cheadle in Showtime's House of Lies - reprise the title role as the slueth for the first time since the TV show was cancelled in 2007.

"I think as long as Kristen wants to do it, I'll keep wanting to make them," Thomas confirmed.

Read our Veronica Mars review here.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Colin Farrell: 'My sons don't know I'm an actor'

A New York Winter's Tale star Colin Farrell has said that his two sons have "no idea" that he is an actor.

The 37-year-old Dublin-born star, who raises James, aged 10, and Henry, four, from previous relationships, has said that his children don't understand why he appears on the television.

When asked what his children made of having a famous dad, Farrell replied: ''They have no idea what I do for a living. Henry saw me on the TV screen once and he went, 'What are you doing there?'

''And James' [who has the neuro-genetic disorder Angelman syndrome] way of processing the world is very particular, which is one of the beautiful things about him."

Farrell continued: "I don't even know if I put a film on in front of James that he would even understand the idea of acting or performance - his cognitive capability is such that he understands a lot of magical and interesting things that I just don't. But there are a lot of boring things about the physical world that he may never be able to comprehend - and why should he?''

Farrell also told HELLO! magazine that he likes to do "dad things" with the boys, adding: ''I make silly voices. They think I'm the guy to go to when they want to watch cartoons on the television. And that I fail at making them laugh and that I make kind of decent chicken fingers, except sometimes I burn them.''

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kylie Minogue opens up about break-up

Kylie Minogue has opened up about her split from Andrés Velencoso, insisting that changes in her own lifestyle played a part in their break-up after five years.

Speaking to the Daily Mail Weekend magazine, the 45-year-old singer said: "After having the same manager, an Australian, for 25 years, I got new management in LA."

She continued: "Americans work very differently to Brits and Australians, so it was like trying to learn a new language.

"Then my assistant, who'd been with me for 12 years, moved back to Australia. So I was basically floundering around on my own, trying to keep my relationship going."

Minogue added: "[Andrés] was very supportive throughout that, kind of acknowledging that I wanted a separation - not from him but from the old ways that I had. I'm sure that had something to do with our break-up."

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Imelda May Show on RTÉ One and Player on Sunday

Following its radio debut on RTÉ Radio 1 on Friday March 14, The Imelda May Show comes to RTÉ One Television and the RTÉ Player (worldwide) on Sunday night, March 16, at 9:30pm.

The show sees the singer and her band performing in studio, with Finbar Furey, The Original Rudeboys, Nathan Carter and Sharon Shannon the other musical guests.

Listen to performances from the show and Imelda May's interview with Ronan Collins on the RTÉ Radio Player at: http://bit.ly/1ktMvCn.

May releases her new album, Tribal, in Ireland on Friday May 30, with new single It's Good to Be Alive out now.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kian Egan tells of Late Late nerves

Westlife star turned solo singer Kian Egan has said he was "shaking" during his debut live solo performance on Friday night's Late Late Show on RTÉ One.

After performing first single Home from the album of the same name, a breathless Egan told host Ryan Tubridy: "I remember coming on this show in 1998, and I think I was more nervous now than I was then."

When asked about his feelings about going it alone, The Voice of Ireland coach replied: "It's very weird. It's weird, it's exciting, it's nerve-wracking - I can't believe I'm doing it.

"The last time I was here [discussing The Voice of Ireland] was a few weeks ago, probably about eight weeks ago, and I knew it was happening then, but I hadn't signed a deal and I hadn't gotten in [the] studio at that point."  

Egan continued: "What we did in Westlife wasn't a million miles away from what I'm doing now. It's just kind of got a bit more edge to it; it's a bit more guitar-based. It's a bit more kind of, raw, shall we say.

"Listening to the album, I don't think it's a gazillion miles apart from what we did in Westlife. I think it's still emotional, it's still powerful, epic kind of songs, that's what I've gone for."

Watch the performance and interview at: www.rte.ie/player.

Egan will perform on the first live show in the current series of The Voice of Ireland on Sunday March 16 on RTÉ One at 6:30pm, and will also take part in a signing session at HMV in Dundrum on Sunday morning at 11:30am.  

Read our review of Home at: http://bit.ly/1o6FUPB.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More

Film Review: Veronica Mars

The back-from-the-dead TV series Veronica Mars has become a movie. John Byrne reviews.

You know how it is: you have a fantastic experience but, over the course of time, memories can fade. Sometimes you even forget. It's not because you've had many better experiences – though that's possible – it's usually because you've had so many other experiences, even great ones can get lost in the mist. Then something brings you back to that fantastic experience, and you're knocked out all over again.

Well, that's exactly what happened to me when I watched the Veronica Mars movie.

Like so many great American shows, Veronica Mars never got the exposure it deserved on this side of the Atlantic. And it was a great show, but only lasted three seasons before it got the chop. What it left behind was a loyal fanbase, as this tale of a teenage detective was smart, funny, and in Kristen Bell had an outstanding lead who was perfect for and in the role.

Since its cancellation in 2007, there have been constant rumours of a film version and, thanks to a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, creator Rob Thomas was able to finance this feature-length episode. And that's what it is, because there are absolutely no concessions made to cinema. Not that I care. This is brilliant fun.

It's 10 years after her school and sleuthing days; Veronica Mars has moved on and lives in New York, where she's looking to establish herself as a lawyer. She's got a new boyfriend, and teenage life in Neptune, California is far behind her. Except it's not.

When a famous singer (and former school pal) is murdered, Veronica's ex is implicated. So when he calls looking for help, she's there. Inevitably, she falls back into her old snooping groove and even attends a high school reunion.

Yep, it's a bit Scooby-Doo-meets-Nancy-Drew, but that was always part of the show's appeal. Add that to Bell's snarky lead, throw in some great dialogue, top it off with a wicked sense of humour, and you've got one hell of a show - I mean, film. Plus, Lou Rawls' cocktail disco classic You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine will never sound the same again. Ever.

If you're not a fan of the show you mightn't get as much fun out of watching this film, but I hope you'll - as Arnie might put it - get your ass to Mars and then check out the TV show, because Veronica Mars is worth investigating.

In fact, as soon as I'm finished this review I'll order the complete series on DVD. Sure, I could download or watch it for free online, but I want a box set to put on a shelf at home as a constant reminder of the great Veronica Mars. I'll not forget again.

4.5/5

Veronica Mars is available on demand on digital platforms and is screening at Movies@Dundrum in Dublin.

23.37 | 0 komentar | Read More