Category Entertainment News

Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has weighed in on the future of the iconic 007 role, stating it’s a “given” that Daniel Craig’s replacement should hail from Britain.

This comes amid worries that the quintessentially British franchise might lose its identity after Amazon MGM Studios took a stake in the creative direction of the character. In February, the American studio announced a joint ownership deal with long-time Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who have been at the helm since Brosnan’s debut in the 1995 hit ‘ GoldenEye’.

Chatting with The Telegraph, the Irish-born actor Brosnan remarked: “I thought it was coming for some time I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael. It takes great courage for them to let go, they will still have a say in matters, I hope that (Amazon) handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect”.

The actor, 71, who portrayed the suave spy in four films, conceded that “no one really knows” what the future holds for Bond under Amazon’s watch. “In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, (the change) does come with a certain lament”, he expressed. However, some James Bond fans are not impressed with Pierce’s demands, given that he is Irish himself.

Amidst growing speculation about who will next don the tuxedo, there has yet to be an official announcement following Daniel Craig’s last outing as Bond in 2021’s ‘ No Time To Die’. Reflecting on his tenure as the legendary secret agent, Brosnan said: “History has been passed on and I’m very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond and the movies that I made with Barbara and Michael. That we moved the needle, that we brought it back to life. It had been dormant (for) six years and GoldenEye was such a success that it continued and went from strength to strength… I wish them well”.

Pierce made his debut as James Bond in GoldenEye, marking the beginning of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson’s creative reign. His final appearance as the iconic spy was in 2002’s Die Another Day. Since the release of the first 007 film, Dr No, in 1962, the official Bond franchise has been under the stewardship of the American-British Broccoli family, either independently or in collaboration with others.

Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson have been at the helm of the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Spectre, and No Time To Die. Their contributions to British cinema have been recognised with CBEs, and they clinched the outstanding British film Bafta for 2012’s Skyfall, alongside director Sir Sam Mendes.

In a significant development in 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, thereby gaining the rights to distribute James Bond films and control over the intellectual property rights. The following year, they launched the spin-off Bond Prime Video game show 007: Road To A Million, hosted by Succession actor Brian Cox, which is slated for a second series.

There have been reports of friction between Broccoli and Amazon MGM Studios over creative control, with the Wall Street Journal quoting her as saying “don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions”. Claims have also surfaced, courtesy of the newspaper, that Amazon MGM Studios is eyeing up opportunities to broaden Bond’s reach into TV and other ventures.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Charlotte Dawson looked on top of the world as she left hospital after delivering her newborn baby daughter on Sunday.

The Celebs Go Dating star, 32, was joined by partner Matthew Sarsfield in the delivery room as they tearfully welcomed their third child together. The couple are also parents to sons Noah, four, and Jude, 18 months. After giving birth to her baby girl following a hospital dash, Charlotte looked radiant as she was pictured leaving the hospital with her new arrival and Matt.

The much-loved TV star donned a pink knitted midi dress as she carried their bags and hospital suitcase to the car while fiancé Matthew carried their most precious cargo – their newest bundle of joy.

Matthew planted a kiss on his newborn daughter’s head before carefully placing her into the car seat. Meanwhile, Charlotte watched the sweet moment as she wrapped up in an embroidered denim jacket.

Meanwhile, their newborn daughter – who they have not yet confirmed a name for – was dressed to perfection in pink button-up set, complete with an adorable white lace bonnet over her head. Charlotte had previously confessed that if she were to be blessed with a girl, she would ensure that she was the most stylish little girl in all of the UK.

Before the birth, and as the couple made their way to hospital, Charlotte handed over the phone to her partner so that he could film her at hospital. After downing orange juice and Percy Pigs, Charlotte gave birth to their baby girl. “So proud”,Matthew captioned a photo, before a video showed Charlotte cradling their newborn.

“She’s here”, he declared, as her mum told her she had her “princess”. He went on to share a photo of himself holding their tiny daughter in his arms. “Amazing our girl is here safe and sound”.

Their daughter was born at 8lb 9oz. In another video, Charlotte was glowing as her daughter enjoyed her first feed at 10.30pm. In another photo, Matt cuddled up to Charlotte on the hospital bed as they gazed down at their daughter.

New mum Charlotte revealed that she had attended a party earlier in the day on Saturday, but the pain had become “too much” and they had rushed to hospital after realising she was in labour.

While on the way to the hospital, she told followers: “Well guys, it’s happening, I’ve not got a contraction right now but it’s happening. Oh my God, I’ve had pains all day since 12 o’clock, I’ve been at a kids party, I’ve been walking around. Ugh, it’s just got too much, the pain. It’s every five minutes, every three to five minutes these contractions. So, Matthew is going to try and update you all and make sense, so give it a follow and he’ll be updating you with Trace”.

Charlotte announced in September that she was having a little girl, admitting it was “finally” time. She shares sons Noah and Jude with Matt, both regulars on Charlotte’s social feeds. Last month, the Love Squad star shared that she was “struggling” during the final stages of her pregnancy.

At the time, she told her followers on Instagram: “I’m going to miss my coffee, brew, and food holder, but I am struggling right now. She’s lying on my bladder, and I feel like she’s coming every minute”. After tagging her glam team in the post, she joked, “At least if she comes this weekend, I look a bit glowy”.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Former footballer Gary Neville left fans shocked when he joined a huge band on stage.

The Sky Sports pundit is no stranger when it comes to working with Rotherham-based band The Reytons having teased fans last year that he would be joining them on stage. At the time, Neville, 50, joked that he was taking the place of bassist Lee Holland who was suffering from a broken arm.

But as the South Yorkshire band headlined Aviva Studios in Manchester, it appeared that Gary was keen to carry on with his involvement with the band. The former Manchester United legend stepped out on stage on Saturday night, equipped with a bass guitar in his hand.

It came months after speculation over whether the England defender would actually appear on the stage with the band following their viral video in September last year. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the band shared an electrifying video of the moment and fans couldn’t contain their excitement.

Captioning their upload, the band penned: “Reytons X Gary Neville. Manchester!!! Last night was unbelievable… What a way to end the tour!! Thank you to every single one of you who joined us across the UK and Ireland… It’s been incredible! Thanks to our amazing team of family and friends for all the hard work, commitment, late nights and early mornings!! From pubs to arenas… Who’d have thought it”?

Fans instantly rushed to the replies, with one penning: “What a f***ing night”! A second went on to add: “Amazing night as always. But what an unexpected treat to see @GNev2 on stage. Absolute riot”! “This is ace”, commented a third. Meanwhile, a fourth typed: “Let Gary be at Tramlines”, following the news that the band will be headlining the Sheffield festival later this year.

Gary joined the lads on stage for their hit, Low Life, with the 5, 000 audience members at the sold out show instantly going wild. Following the performance, frontman Jonny Yerrell said: “He is honestly one of the most down-to-earth and nicest people we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with”.

Reflecting on their Grassroots Foundation initiative, Jonny went on to add: “Last year, we launched our foundation and provided full football kits to 50 grassroots teams. We’re planning to do even more this year”! But it wasn’t just Gary’s cameo that received praise during the show.

The band have rallied behind Sophie White, 22, from their hometown, who is battling a brain tumour. Days before their performance, they announced they’d be raffling off the sign from their headline show at Clifton Park with Crowdfunder. Sophie who was in attendance at the show discovered that they had raised an eye-watering £10, 000 in just two days. The crucial funds will allow Sophie to travel to Germany to undergo potentially life saving treatment on Monday.

Last year when the band announced their tour, they shared a hilarious video on social media holding auditions for Lee’s role, with Gary admitting he was “nervous” but “ready” for the action as he took to the stage. After being asked why he thinks he could be good for the role, Gary says: “If Lee can play for The Reytons, then so can I”. The clip then shows bandmates asking Gary to show off his dance moves, dietary requirements and also how fast he can drink a pint of beer. He is then challenged to game of Higher or Lower, before undergoing a blind taste test, successfully grabbing a greasy burger meal over a salad.

After passing all the tests, Jonny tells Neville: “You’ve literally ticked every box there pal. But I think the only question is now, you know, what’re you actually like on bass”? The sports icon added: “I’ve never played bass in my life”. Moments after Jonny admitted: “You’re in”.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeandThreads.