Category Entertainment News

Fans of the hit film series Bridget Jones’ Diary were stunned after realising one of its stars received an Academy Award nod for the film.

The hit trilogy, which starred Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, is set to receive a fourth instalment as Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is released on Valentine’s Day (Friday, February 14). But fans were shocked to find one of the stars of the original film had received an Oscar nod for their work on the film, and won just three years later.

Now fans have seen a clip of the “crazy” awards win, which was clipped together with an additional win for the star over a decade later. Fans of the romcom franchise were left charmed by the speech after they accepted the Academy Award.

Renée Zellweger, who plays titular character Bridget Jones, received a nomination for the film. Though she lost out to Halle Berry in Monster’s Ball that year, she would go on to win in the Best Supporting Actress category in 2004 for Cold Mountain.

A previous nomination for Chicago did not bag her a win, either, as she lost to Nicole Kidman for her role in The Hours.

But an awards win for her appearance in the Anthony Minghella-directed feature saw her deliver a speech that is still charming members of the public. A post to TikTok shared the speech, where Zellweger thanked the Academy for inviting her and for her awards win.

Zellweger won over Shohreh Aghdashloo in House of Sand and Fog, Patricia Clarkson in Pieces of April, Marcia Gay Harden in Mystic River, and Holly Hunter in Thirteen. One fan watching the video wrote: “How crazy is that.” Another added: “Such a classy woman.”

Zellweger would go on to win in the Best Actress category too, with her performance as Judy Garland in the 2021 biopic Judy praised at the time of its release. Her acceptance speech is featured in the TikTok video too, where the actress won her second Academy Award.

She won over Charlize Theron in Bombshell, Saoirse Ronan in Little Women, Scarlett Johansson in Marriage Story, and Cynthia Erivo in Harriet. Erivo is nominated at this year’s Academy Awards for her role in Wicked.

It comes as fans are realising Zellweger could have been replaced as Bridget Jones, with other stars tipped for the starring role in the original film. Emily Watson and Kate Winslet were both tipped for the leading role, as was Helena Bonham Carter. Fellow American actress Cameron Diaz was also suggested.

Australian stars Cate Blanchett and Toni Colette were also in the running, with the latter actress going on to work with Bridget Jones’ Diary actor Hugh Grant a short while later on About a Boy.

Lady Gaga has returned to her bold pop ways – after being reportedly spurred on by her fiancé.

Gaga’s hubby-to-be Michael Polansky, 41, urged her to go back to her roots, it is understood, after years of toning down her ­headline-grabbing antics. The 38-year-old singer shocked the world by wearing a meat dress to the MTV Video Music Awards in LA 15 years ago but changed her image since then.

Speaking this week, Gaga said: “Michael is the person who told me to make a new pop record. He was like, ‘Babe. I love you. You need to make pop music’.”

And in the video for new song Abracadabra, the superstar, born in New York, wears spiked latex and lace. Abracadabra reached 17th in the UK charts last week, despite only being out for five days.

Since its release, Gaga, real name Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, gave a moving pre-Super Bowl performance in New Orleans – dedicating it to the victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack.

Michael, who has a writing credit on Gaga’s 2024 single Disease, says seeing her perform some of her classic hits on the road made him push for her to get back in the ­studio.

The businessman The Sun : “On the ­Chromatica tour, I saw a fire in her. I wanted to help her keep that alive all the time and just start making music that made her happy.”

But Gaga has not had a solo chart-topper in the UK since 2009’s Bad Romance, back when she had a risqué persona and wild public fashion sense. Abracadabra is a step in that direction as the video features the singer in a red latex cape held together with real nails. She also dons matching spiked latex hat and long black latex fetish gloves in the footage.

At the Grammys earlier this month, she looked characteristically eccentric in a long black wig, gothic gown and stilettos as she and Bruno Mars picked up the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award for their duet Die With A Smile.

When Gaga shocked the world with the red meat dress, she claimed the look was a statement about equality and fighting for what you believe in. However, the release of her fifth album Joanne in 2016 saw a change in the singer’s outlandish style, as she adopted ripped denim shorts and cowboy hat in line with the album’s country theme.

It’s Thursday, and one star sign is set for a wonderfully invigorating experience.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Take some time to slow down and enjoy some peace. Think about your past experiences and consider your future direction. Keep an eye on your health and the well-being of those around you. Dream big for the future, but for now, savour the peace.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

Before jumping to conclusions and accusing someone of being unreasonable or absurd, hold back from voicing your thoughts. You might be surprised to find their ideas are genuinely inspiring. It’s time to move away from old habits to welcome a more modern approach.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Travelling to an unfamiliar area will turn out to be a wonderfully invigorating experience. You’re ready to explore new places. If you are single, you will sense when you need to steer clear of someone who appears to have something to hide.

Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

Something exciting will be presented in a fascinating package. Get ready to take up a new opportunity the moment it is offered to you. If you pause to think about it, it will go to another and other people aren’t likely to hesitate over something so special and wonderful.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

Slow down. Rush around and you risk stumbling over yourself as you try to accomplish everything at once. People admire how quick you are to come to your decisions but be cautious about speed and haste. You aren’t the only one who is in a rush but follow the example of others who advise caution.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Emails and text messages received will carry subtle or hidden meanings intended for you alone, even if sent to a group of people. Information and activities you are involved in are personal. You aren’t eager to share your ideas even when people ask for your opinions.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

You might walk into a disagreement between two friends. Almost immediately, each will try to pull you into the argument, and you will be expected to take sides. As much as you would like to help, it would be better to keep well out of it.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Make an effort to settle family disputes that have been affecting your close relationships. Finding more security can help direct your energy and attention towards other priorities. At the top of your list will be domestic routines and managing joint finances.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Your plans may conflict with those of a partner or close friend. If you aren’t cautious you could end up going in different directions. Is this what you really want? Decisions you make carry weighty consequences. Should you choose to stand your ground or is it time to forge your own path?

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Focus on boosting your income. Any approaches you take to reach this aim should lead to positive results. Until you start to make some progress, you could and should save money by limiting your spending, at least for the time being.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

A surge of confidence, positivity and optimism overwhelms you. This makes you feel you can achieve all that you focus on and conquer any challenge you take on. Just remember to choose wisely on where you might direct all this incredible energy.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

New friendships can open the door to romance if you are single. Accept invitations to travel. If you are already in a committed relationship, spending time with your in-laws and offering to do them a favour or two will please your partner. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to make other people happy.

Simon Cowell has shared a glimpse into the new series of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent days before the 2025 debut – and fans can’t contain their excitement.

The ITV show will be returning for its 18th series next weekend, Saturday February 22, with Simon, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and special guest judge KSI on the judging panel. The return of the series comes after auditions were delayed in October due to the tragic death of Liam Payne.

Simon took to Instagram to share the official trailer showcasing the best of what’s to come in the new series. During the action-packed trailer Simon can be heard saying: “This is the best act we’ve had in 18 years!” Although Simon is known for sharing his poignant takes, viewers will have to wait and see who he was referring to.

READ MORE: Dad forgets his daughter and own name after brain tumour was misdiagnosed as vertigo

As well as bold commentary from Simon and the rest of the Britain Got Talent judges, the trailer also hints at the exciting moment when Simon presses the Golden Buzzer, sending one lucky performer directly to the live shows. The trailer claims the new series will be; weirder, crazier, scarier, wilder, louder, bigger and better than ever before.

At around 10.30pm Simon took to Instagram to share a sneak glimpse at what the new series will entail, the short clip has already had over 2,400 likes and over 140 comments. Simon captioned the video: “Hello! @bgt is about to return and I wanted to show you a sneak glimpse of what’s coming on the new series. If you’d like to see another teaser this week please let me know in the comments, and I’ll make sure you see it first! Love, Simon x”

Fans took to the comments to share their excitement, one said: “I CAN’T WAIT!! WE NEED ANOTHER TEASER.” While another said: “I am really looking forward to this starting I love this show.” A third wrote: “Looks awesome.” Another penned: “WOW! So exciting.”

Throughout the years, the star has built up the persona of “Mr Nasty” but things reportedly went to new heights during this season’s auditions. Simon Cowell was reportedly ‘brutally heckled’ during the Britain’s Got Talent auditions in Blackpool with the crowd yelling “You old fart” towards the star.

Britain’s Got Talent returns to screens on Saturday February 22 at 7pm on ITV1

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Taylor Swift has won hearts yet again, this time at the Grammy Awards, where she was spotted tipping staff despite not bagging any trophies herself. The 35 year old pop sensation was caught on camera handing out cash to four workers and expressing her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much for all your hard work,” The starstruck employees responded with heartfelt thanks, telling Taylor, “We appreciate you so much.”

Fans were quick to take to social media to laud the ‘Shake It Off’ singer’s actions.

One admirer shared the video clip, commenting, “Taylor Swift tipping the workers as she’s leaving the GRAMMYs! ” Emotions ran high among her followers, with one tweeting, “This is why she stays winning,” accompanied by teary-eyed emojis, while another declared, “She can do no wrong in my eyes, the GWOAT.”

Some fans defended her against detractors, with one posting, “I really don’t understand the hate for her. Poor people,” and others echoed the sentiment, “She’s a real one” and “This is why you can never make me hate Taylor,” reports the Mirror US.

Another fan admired, “She’s really for the people, love to see it,” before someone highlighted her personal touch: “And she tips them herself- not making someone from her entourage do it. It means more to them and to her.”

Taylor Swift’s reputation for generosity is well-earned. Back in December 2023, she was spotted handing out $100 notes to kitchen staff at a Kansas City Chiefs game, and even gave a ticket taker at Highmark Stadium a crisp $100 bill.

Following the massive success of her Eras Tour, Taylor didn’t hold back on sharing the wealth, reportedly dishing out an eye-watering $197 million in bonuses to her tour team. As People Magazine highlighted at the time, “Over the past two years, Swift gave out $197 million in bonuses to everyone working on her tour – including truck drivers, caterers, instrument techs, merch team, lighting, sound, production staff and assistants, carpenters, dancers, band, security, choreographers, pyrotechnics, riggers, hair, make-up, wardrobe, physical therapists and video team.”

Former Made in Chelsea star Caggie Dunlop has shared the exciting news that she’s expecting her first baby.

Caggie, 35, has remained much more private than her co-stars since leaving the Channel 4 show, and little is known about her boyfriend, Tom Liddell. However, she divulged that after keeping the news of her pregnancy a secret for six months, she was happy to share the news just a trimester away from meeting her baby.

The reality TV alum shared a heartwarming video on Instagram today, showing a montage of adorable clips of herself and Tom, alongside moments of her cradling her baby bump on their travels.

On top of the video, she wrote: “I have some news… On this day 23rd September I found out something that would change our world forever…” and ended the video with a mirror selfie of herself smiling while showing off her belly without clothes.

In her caption, she wrote: “Our little spirit baby is on the way. In May!! Another Taurus, like me. It still feels surreal to say. Pregnancy has been a wild ride, and in just three months, we’ll be meeting this new little soul. I keep looking at my tummy grow and am in awe of my body and of women and what we do and what we create, It’s pure magic.

“I’ve been taking things day by day, learning as I go. There’s so much information out there about pregnancy and motherhood, what you should or shouldn’t do, that it can feel overwhelming, so I’ve instinctively kept this time quiet and sacred and trusted in my body and what it’s telling me. But now, I’m excited to share it with you all.

The singer enthused: “I’m really enjoying this stage of pregnancy (despite the insomnia and perpetual tiredness!). The kicks are especially wonderful, especially when we sing to the baby and it starts kicking around. We’ve decided to keep the gender a surprise so we are constantly guessing and wondering who this little person will be…what we do know if that whoever they are, they are already deeply loved and we cannot wait to meet them.”

Caggie’s MIC co-star Millie Mackintosh responded to the post, gushing: “I can’t wait to meet him or her!! So so happy for you,” alongside a string of heart emojis, while Millie’s husband Hugo Taylor simply wrote: “Love ya.”

While Caggie happily shared her baby news with fans, she made it clear when she left MIC that she wouldn’t be putting her private life in the spotlight again. “I don’t like reality TV. A little ironic, I know,” she told the Daily Mail. “But I would 100 per cent love to do more TV – just never reality.”

Since leaving the hit series, she’s mainly been focused on her podcast Saturn Returns, which focuses on astrology and advice to bring clarity and calm to times of transition.

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