Love entertainment and celebrity? Well, we have just the podcast for you! We are so excited to announce the launch of Chattr and Mediaweek’s brand-new podcast, The Entertainment Hotline!
Hosted by the company’s head of entertainment, Anita Anabel, the series will feature celebrity interviews from all facets of the industry.
Each week, stars will drop in (or dial in) to discuss their latest projects, share behind-the-scenes stories, and share a glimpse into who they are as people.
What is The Entertainment Hotline?
The Entertainment Hotline has been created for YOU, fans of TV, streaming, film, and content creation, with a video series on Instagram and TikTok.
Anita Anabel, Head of Entertainment and host of The Entertainment Hotline, said: “I’m so excited to bring this new podcast to life. It incorporates my passion for all things entertainment and the stories behind the talent we all know and love.
“In 2023, people are thirsty for more than what they’re just seeing on the screen. They want to be able to consume content and then find out as much information as they possibly can, so I’m thrilled to be giving them more of what they’re craving.”
Anita Anabel. Source: Supplied.
Episode One — Lincoln Younes and Claude Jabbour from Last King of the Cross
The first episode features Paramount+The Last King of the Cross stars Lincoln Younes and Claude Jabbour who gave Anabel insight into life on set, discussed the importance of physical exercise and mental health, and revealed what made them most nostalgic about the iconic Sydney suburb.
The Entertainment Hotline with Anita Anabel has been produced by ProPodcast and will drop weekly on Wednesdays at 5 am.
Listen to the very first episode below or use your favourite podcast app here.
Perth’s fearless, genre-bending band Voyager will represent Australia at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest.
On February 22, SBS announced that bandmates — Danny Estrin, Simone Dow, Alex Canion, Scott Kay and Ashley Doodkorte — would be headed to Liverpool, UK from May 9 – May 13 to compete.
The band has been throwing their hat in the ring for the comp since Australia (confusingly) announced its participation in 2015.
“As a long-time Eurovision fan, this is the pinnacle – Voyager gets to play the greatest show on earth!” Estrin said in a statement.
“Our song Promise is made for the Eurovision stage, and collectively we feel it’s one of our best yet. We filmed the music video in both the city of Perth and beautiful parts of Western Australia to showcase the majestic beauty of our home state. Eurovisionation, we are coming!!!”
Voyager. Source: Supplied.
Who are Voyager?
Blending New Romantic, ‘80s infused vocals with technical, melodic framework, groovy basslines, bombastic drums, and what is fast becoming the band’s signature instrument, the keytar, the band have toured the world many times over, with an influx of fans on their latest European tour won over by their electric live performances.
Forming in 1999 at the University of Western Australia (with founding members Estrin, Baker and Lovkis), the musicians have since released seven studio albums, with one more to come after their Eurovision turn.
In 2020, they won Best Hard Rock Album at the Independent Music Awards for Colours in the Sun, which also made a debut at number one in the AIR charts.
What song will Voyager perform at the Euro Vision Song Contest?
Voyager will perform Promise, a song that begins with the lyrics: “Have you ever done anything like this before?”, fitting for a band, which has in fact, never done this before.
“Promise is a song that delivers in spades from a band that never fails to impress. From the very first listen, I knew it was something special – an epic, cinematic track that will take listeners on an anthemic rock voyage all the way to the Eurovision stage,” director of Blink TV, Paul Clarke said.
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy, with their song Stefania.
This year, the United Kingdom will host the competition on Ukraine’s behalf with the theme United by Music.
The Australian Idol competition has been heating up as singers vyed for a spot in the Top 12!
After three massive nights — and in front of the show’s largest-ever studio audience — twelve contestants sang their hearts out to get to the next round.
The judging panel — Amy Shark, Meghan Trainor, Kyle Sandilands and Harry Connick Jr — deliberated over the top 24 performances, with artists singing songs like You’ve Got The Love, Take Me To Church, Hallelujah and Bleeding Love.
And as the coveted “Touchdowns” were handed out, guaranteeing singers a place in the last round, the final group took shape.
Here’s who made it to the Top 12 of Australian Idol 2023.
Australian Idol 2023 Top 12
The full line-up includes the below contestants (with their Instas in the hyperlink!):
It’s been a long time since the break-out series Outer Banks appeared on Netflix.
In fact, not only has it not been on our screens for what feels like yonks but Season 3 was originally announced on December 8, 2021! Yup, just over a year ago!
Now, with the third instalment finally premiering on February 23, here’s everything you need to know, including who is in the cast, what happened in Season Two and what we can expect next.
The cast of Outer Banks. Source: Netflix.
What happened in Season Two of Outer Banks?
At the end of Outer Banks‘ second season, fans were thrilled to find that a lot of their lingering questions had been answered. Most notably that Sarah(Madelyn Cline)and John B (Chase Stokes) survived their stormy journey.
The couple reunites with the Pogues to continue their treasure hunt, clear John B’s name, and find the Cross of Santo Domingo.
The season ended with a thrilling boat heist, with Sarah being kidnapped by her own family. The Pogues then hid out in a shipping container in hopes of saving her and a fight ensued.
After escaping onto a smaller boat, they were forced to leave the Cross in the hands of murderous father-son duo Rafe (DrewStarkey) and Ward (Charles Esten) and ended up on a small island they named ‘Poguelandia’.
Carla (Elizabeth Mitchell), who is in Barbados, meets a mysterious man who turned out to be John B’s long-lost father (Charles Halford)…and he’s not dead!
John B says that he can help her get what she wants, in exchange for helping his son.
What’s Season Three of Outer Banks about?
The official synopsis for Season Three reads: After losing the gold and fleeing the Outer Banks, Season Three finds the Pogues washed ashore on a desert island that, for a brief moment, seems like an idyllic home.
Officially deemed “Poguelandia,” the island’s newest residents spend their days fishing, swimming, and reveling in the carefree lifestyle of their temporary dwelling.
But things quickly go south for John B, Sarah, Kiara (Madison Bailey), Pope (Jonathan Daviss), JJ (RudyPankow), and Cleo (Carlacia Grant) when they find themselves once again caught up in a race for the treasure, quite literally running for their lives. T
hey’re broke and far from home, they can’t trust anyone, Ward and Rafe are hungry for revenge, and there’s a ruthless Caribbean Don who will stop at nothing to find the bounty.
Was the treasure ever within their reach? Or was it all a trap to stop them once and for all? Either way, it’s the Pogues against the world – and the only way out is together.
Watch the first 8 minutes and 51 seconds of Outer Banks Season Three below:
Who is in the Outer Banks Season Three cast?
Alongside the core cast, the other cast members returning to Outer Banks is Starkey, Austin North as Topper, Elizabeth Mitchell as Carla Limbrey, Julia Antonelli as Wheezie Cameron, Caroline Arapoglou as Rose, CC Castillo as Lana Grubbs, Cullen Moss as Deputy Shoupe, Chelle Ramos as Deputy Plumb, E. Roger Mitchell as Heyward, Brian Stapfe as Cruz, and Samantha Soule as Anna Carrera.
Lou Ferrigno Jr, Andy McQueen, and Fiona Palomo will also be joining Season Three.
Will there be a Season Four of Outer Banks?
You betcha!
On February 20, the show’s creators Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke announced that a fourth season was on the way.
“The Pogues are enjoying an adventure of a lifetime, and we now get to map out more twists and turns as the joyride continues into Season 4 of Outer Banks.
Thank you to Netflix, our cast, and the amazing fans who helped to make this happen.”
According to her 9Now bio, Evelyn was “devastated” by an ex who also applied for a dating show… while they were together is this revenge?!
Since that fateful relationship, she has been guarded ever since and believes her Chinese-Australian upbringing and being a child of divorce is the reason she struggles to show affection.
In fact, Evelyn struggles to say “I love you”, because she rarely saw the words — or sentiment — used when growing up.
Even though she’s diving headfirst into the experiment, she’s cautious about starting a new relationship. She also wants marriage and kids; however, she’s never been the stay-at-home type.
Married at First Sight’s Evelyn Ellis was on Big Brother UK
In 2016, the stunning MAFS Bride was on Big Brother in the UK. At the time, she worked in London as a hostess and described herself as “the most indecisive person you would have ever met.”
She was only ever nominated twice and ultimately placed fifth on the show. She was also the highest-ranking female during the season.
Evelyn Ellis on Big Brother UK 2016. Source: Channel 5.
Married at First Sight Australia 2023’sHugo Armstrong has high standards when it comes to women.
The 32-year-old has a list of what he’s looking for in a woman, right down to her dress size…
According to his 9Now bio, he’s a “goofball” who has been in love exactly four times.
The IT Account executive hails from New South Wales and admits he falls hard and quickly, describing himself as a “hopeless romantic who can’t see red flags in a relationship”.
Hugo Armstrong. Source: Instagram.
Even though he’s very confident with the ladies, he reveals he can get the “ick” pretty easily, which is confusing since he doesn’t see red flags….
Hugo is also “oblivious” when it comes to hookups because he’s known to prioritise himself, and his main challenge is putting the work in when it comes to women.
Despite his flaws, he does wear his heart on his sleeve and is looking for a person who can be his best friend. Cute!
Married at First Sight Australia 2023’sRupert Bugden has a very cheeky nickname — “cattle dog”.
Given the moniker by his mates, the cheeky tradie is friendly and is known to go up to anyone and chat to them.
According to his 9Now bio, the 27-year-old admits that when women first meet him, they think he gives off “city boy” vibes a.k.a he’s a “f**k boy”. Cool.
Hailing from Queensland, he can “scull a beer faster than Bob Hawke”, which is a mean feat and probably explains why he has been single for six months…
That, and he’s still got pics of his ex on Insta. Seems really ready to meet someone new at the altar!
Rupert Bugden and his ex-girlfriend. Source: Instagram.
A self-confessed flirt, he also knows he can be cold sometimes and once a woman does something to put him off, he black lists her.
While he’s quick to get outta there, it is a trait he’s trying to “work on”, something expert John Aiken will no doubt help him with.
Given he’s got a short fuse when it comes to icks, if he doesn’t have an initial connection with a girl, he won’t explore it further and maybe MAFS ain’t the show for him!
Despite his other, ahem, traits, Rupert is fiercely loyal and when he is in a relationship, he puts his blinkers on and only has eyes for his partner.
Tayla Winter is by far the most confusing participant of Married at First Sight Australia 2023. One minute she’s here, and one minute she’s there, and the next minute, she’s everywhere!
The 27-year-old is a “rule-breaker” who loves to be the centre of attention and isn’t shy to compete for a man.
From Tasmania, Tayla has been single for a year after discovering that her boyfriend of six years was cheating.
Tayla Winter. Source: Nine.
According to her official 9Now bio, the nurse usually dates “footy guys”, and needs help from the experts to “break her cycle of unhealthy relationship patterns” and dating men who are ultimately unfaithful.
Like her friends from Tassie, Tayla wants to be a young mum and is looking for a man ready to start a family — however, there’s one caveat. He mustn’t be “too nice”…
While he can be a little unfriendly (*side eye emoji*), he needs good morals and is willing to back her up — even if she’s wrong… so a nice guy, then Tayla?!
Even though she comes across as confident, this Bride is actually a bit of a delicate flower and can be very high maintenance.
She can also be bad-tempered and picky, however, she is hoping the experts can help with that. Bless.
Iconic Ten series I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here 2023 finally has a start date and we’re headed back to the African jungle.
The network’s staple series, which has been throwing stars out of their comfort zone since 2015, will begin on April 2 at 7.30 pm, hosted by Dr Chris Brown and Julia Morris.
And this year, a Brownlow Medal Winner, a Comedian, TV Host, a Boxing Lightweight and a Celebrity Chef will be vying to be crowned King or Queen of the jungle!
While the infamous clues are yet to be released, past years have seen a bevvy of Aussie and International guests, including Abbie Chatfield, Grant Denyer, Perez Hilton, Richard Reid, GoggleboxersAngie Kent, Yvie Jones, Symon Lovett and Adam Densten, plus Brendan Fevola, Anthony Callea, Tim Robards, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Diana, Princess of Wales former butler, Paul Burrell to name a few!
Abbie Chatfield. Source: Ten.
Dr Chris Brown will leave Ten after I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here
This year will also mark the final series for Brown, who will be making the move to Channel 7 after his last stint on the show.
On February 2, it was announced that he will leave Ten in July 2023 after signing a million-dollar deal with the new network.
Brown started his career on Seven’s Harry’s Practice two decades ago before he went on to star in some of Australia’s most popular programs.
“I’m not entirely sure my old access pass works, but once we get over that hurdle and I’m back from the jungle, I can’t wait to sink my teeth into some exciting new projects in the second half of the year and beyond with Seven,” he said in a statement at the time.
I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here airs from Sunday, April 2 at 7.30 pm on Ten.
Lucia Hawley has entertainment running through her veins and has just been announced as the brand-spanking new host and (stunning) face of the local Live from E! red carpet event coverage in Australia.
The niece of Nicole Kidman, she is no stranger to the industry and will be front and centre at Australia’s biggest awards shows and fashion events.
With a passion for fashion and an eye for style, she will showcase her talent with coverage on 7Bravo, which launched on the Seven Network and 7plus on January 15.
Hawley is “excited” to join 7Bravo”, calling it a “dream come true”.
Lucia Hawley. Source: Instagram.
“I’m incredibly excited to join 7Bravo and front such a respected and loved brand,” she said in an official statement.
“Growing up around the entertainment industry, I have watched many Live From E! red carpets over the years and feel so honoured to be able to bring my passion for style, entertainment and celebrities to the role.”
To be a part of the 7Bravo family and bring Australian audiences interviews with the brightest stars and red carpet coverage in the country is a dream come true.”
Who else is joining Lucia Hawley on 7Bravo?
Lucia joins television personality Dominic Bowden who was previously announced as the face of the channel, based in LA, and will have access to some of the world’s biggest stars.
Dominic Bowden (pictured with John Legend). Source: Instagram.
He will bring audiences interviews with the biggest Bravo-lebrities, from the glamorous The Real Housewives to the crews of Below Deck and the top agents from Million Dollar Listing.
Ontop of this, a host of hot young talent will also lend their faces as the “friends of Bravo”.
Stan’s Bad Behaviour is a visceral ride into the epicentre of our teenage years where it’s bully or be bullied and the cast of young people who portray the characters are a pool of incredible young Australian talent.
The new series — which launches on Stan on February 17 — follows students from Silver Creek wilderness campus, an exclusive girls boarding school where the merciless struggle for social power overrules education, and only the most ruthless come out unscathed.
What is Stan’s Bad Behaviour about?
A decade after her year at Silver Creek, Joanna Mackenzie (Jana McKinnon) becomes rattled after encountering her old classmate, Alice (Yerin Ha).
The official synopsis reads: “Alice is touring as a world-renowned cellist – playing at the concert hall where Jo works a casual hospitality job. Troubled by Alice’s less than friendly greeting, Jo is thrown back into the memories of the year they spent together in the same dormitory – Red House.
“Both scholarship students, the two are immediate friends bonded in their vulnerability, until the coolly manipulative Portia (Markella Kavenagh) comes between them.”
While a lifetime a go for Jo, she finds herself reverting to her teenage self.
Dearest Readers, Netflix has delighted fans around the world with the release date for the upcoming Bridgerton prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
The limited series will follow Queen Charlotte’s rise to prominence and power while Lady Danbury will use it to her advantage to find her own way into society under the thumb of her much older husband.
When will Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Storybe released?
On February 15, Netflix announced that the new series will drop on May 4, 2023.
Alongside the release date, was a brand-new trailer and we are positively squealing with excitement!
India Amarteifio Will Play Young Queen Charlotte In the Bridgerton Prequel
Since the series will focus primarily on young Queen Charlotte, it would be remiss of us to not share the beguiling character played by India Amarteifio for the eight-part-series.
“This Bridgerton-verse prequel tells the story of how the young Queen’s marriage to King George sparked both a great love story and a societal shift, creating the world of the ‘ton inherited by the characters in Bridgerton,” the streamer’s official description revealed.
India Amarteifio will play a young Queen Charlotte in the Bridgerton prequel. Source: Netflix.
“Charlotte arrives in London betrothed to the king of England against her will, only to realise that the royal family isn’t what she expects.
“She quickly begins learning how to navigate her unpredictable husband, the ‘ton and the palace, on her way to becoming one of Europe’s most unforgettable monarchs.”
The insanely talented Golda Rosheuvel will also reprise her role and is likely to appear in a flash-forward format.
Golda Rosheuvel will reprise her role as Queen Charlotte in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Source: Netflix.
Who Else Is In the Cast of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story?
Ruth Gemmell (Lady Violet Bridgerton) and Hugh Sachs (Brimsley) will also replay their characters alongside Game of Thrones alum Michelle Fairley, Corey Mylchreest, Sam Clemmett, Richard Cunningham, Tunji Kasim, Rob Maloney and Cyril Nri.
Relative newcomer Arsema Thomas will play the younger Danbury — whose older version is portrayed by the hugely popular Adjoa Andoh in the original show.
Lady Agatha Danbury in its upcoming Bridgerton prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Source: Netflix.
According to Netflix, the description of Lady Danbury reads: “With keen knowledge of the once divided social scene and the intricacies of marriage, Agatha becomes a guiding light for the new Queen, all while finding her own voice and power.”
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is set to be released on May 4, 2023, only on Netflix.
It’s about time Celeste Barber helmed her own scripted TV series and now, she’s coming outta the gate strong with a brand new scripted comedy, Wellmania.
Streaming on Netflix, Barber stars as Liv, a “human tornado” and “food critic”, who is sent on a wellness journey in order to keep her new TV gig in New York.
Co-created by Australian Survivor’s Benjamin Law, the eight-episode series — which is based on the novel Wellmania: Misadventures in the Search for Wellness by author and journalist Brigid Delaney — will follow Liv as she rethinks her life choices, particularly her “live fast, die young” attitude.
Celeste Barber. Source: Netflix.
What is Wellmania about?
After a routine check-up back in Oz, Liv is diagnosed with “catastrophic health” and finds herself trapped in her hometown. In order to return to the Big Apple, she throws herself body-first into a radical wellness journey, hell-bent on getting well, well.
From colonics to cupping, she’ll try ANYTHING to get back to her lavish life!
When does Wellmania launch?
You can binge the entire series from March 29, 2023.
Who is in the cast of Wellmania?
Alongside Barber is a host of Aussie stars including Miranda Otto, JJ Fong, Genevieve Mooy, Lachlan Buchanan, Remy Hii, Alexander Hodge, Simone Kessell, Virginie Laverdure and UK comedian Johnny Carr.
Who is the creative team by Wellmania?
The series is produced by Fremantle Australia, Barber and Warren Clarke (The Heights) are Wellmania’s executive producers.
Bree-Anne Sykes (Here Out West) will serve as producer, while Law and Belinda King (Cleopatra in Space) are co-executive producers.
The series is written by Romina Accurso (Class of ‘07), Rachel Laverty (Home and Away), Nick Coyle (Sarah’s Channel) and Amy Stewart (Hardball).
Married at First Sight Australia 2023’s, Alyssa Barmonde was raised Mormon in Utah, USA, and while she has since left the church, her upbringing still has a major impact on her life.
Although her relationship with Duncan Jameshas gone from strength to strength, the 35-year-old has struggled with intimacy due to the values she was taught, leaving us to question — what exactly are the rules of the Mormon church?
**NOTE: These are regulations the church follows as a general rule; however, we cannot say whether Alyssa herself adhered to them.**
What is the Mormon Church?
Mormons are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, which is the principal branch of the Latter Day Saint movement.
Started by Joseph Smith in New York during the 1820s, the Mormons developed a strong sense of community that stems from their doctrine and history.
According to News.GU, when asked what Mormonism is, members of the Church will often speak of their love of the “Saviour Jesus Christ”.
The faith also encourages all young men who are “physically and mentally fit to serve as missionaries”, i.e. door knockers who try to convert others into the mission.
What rules do Mormons follow?
You may be familiar with the musical The Book of Mormon, a satirical look at the faith; however, in the church, it is actually a religious text of the Latter Day Saint movement known as the Words of Wisdom and is an important aspect of the church, which allows Mormons to lead their lives in a way that pleases God.
While not all members follow every rule, according to BBC UK, several regulations are followed.
Honesty — The thirteenth Article of Faith says, “We believe in being honest”.
Alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and drugs (including for medical use) are specifically banned in the Words of Wisdom.
Gambling — Gambling in any form is condemned as a “moral evil”.
Profanity — Profane, vulgar or crude language should be avoided.
Occult Practices — Mormons should not engage in “so-called Satan worship” or any form of occult.
Sexual Ethics — The religion believes that sexual desires “should only be satisfied in heterosexual marriage” and that sex outside of that union is banned. i.e. No sex before marriage. This also includes “necking or petting”. Masturbation is also discouraged. Many Mormons do not go out with members of the opposite sex until they are at least 16 years old.
Contraception and birth control — It is not banned by the Church, however, couples are expected to reproduce.
Pornography — Must be avoided.
Polygamy —This is not frowned upon; however, very few Mormons practice it today.
Abortion — Mormons do not believe in abortion; however, there are circumstances in which it is accepted.
Infertility treatment — Only conventional infertility treatment, including artificial insemination by the husband is accepted.
Organ Transplants — Organ donation is completely up to the individual.
What do you do when you’re a gigantic streaming service that has some of the most famous sexy singles on the planet? Create a dating show called The Perfect Match and watch as the cast fall in LURV!
The hot new reality dating series has launched just in time for Valentine’s Day, a.k.a February 14 at 7.00 pmAEDT, and has brought together some of the most famously single stars of Netflix’s unscripted series.
Cast members from Love Is Blind, The Ultimatum, Too Hot To Handle, The Mole, and more have headed to a tropical paradise to find the one they have been searching for.
What is the premise of The Perfect Match?
As they compete to form relationships, the most compatible couples will play matchmaker, breaking up other couples and sending them on dates with brand-new singles they’ll invite to the villa.
Will they create better matches, or will they create chaos? In this over-the-top journey of strategy and dating hosted by Love Is Blind and former 98 degrees band member (#neverforget) Nick Lachey, only one couple will be crowned the Perfect Match.
So, who is looking for love in arguably the hottest place on earth?
Meet the cast of Netflix’s Perfect Match!
Perfect Match. Source: Netflix.
Francesca Farago
Too Hot to Handle Season 1, Love Is Blind: After the Altar Season 1
Stream Perfect Match on Netflix from February 14 at 7.00 pm AEDT. Want to CHATTR with us? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more entertainment news.
The Flash is finally coming to cinemas after numerous delays and the controversy surrounding leading performer Ezra Miller.
Even though we saw an initial trailer in October 2021, on February 13, 2023, a brand-new clip was released during the Super Bowl LVIII and, with it, iconic actor Michael Keaton’s return to Batman.
While his comeback is certainly the most highly anticipated, Ben Affleck will also reprise his role as the dark crusader, as well as Michael Shannon’s General Zod.
What will The Flash be about?
The official synopsis reads: Worlds collide in The Flash when Barry (Miller) uses his superpowers to travel back in time to change the events of the past.
But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod (Shannon) has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to.
Ezra Miller in The Flash. Source: Warner Bros.
That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman (Keaton) out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for.
Ultimately, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life to save the world he is in and return to the future that he knows. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?
Who else is in the The Flash cast?
Sasha Calle (Supergirl), Ron Livingston (Loudermilk and “post-it-note guy” Jack Berger in Sex and the City), Maribel Verdú (Elite), Kiersey Clemons (Zack Snyder’s Justice League) and Antje Traue (Man ofSteel) will also star.
The Flash will be released in cinemas nationwide on June 15.
Whether you’re single or taken or spending Valentine’s Day with your pals, streaming your favourite movie is the perfect way to mark the loved-up day.
From classics like 10 Things I Hate About You to newer flicks like Your Place or Mine, there’s a bevvy of titles to watch that will ensure your day is filled to the brim with romance.
Grab the popcorn, curl up under a (light) blanket, pour yourself and your S.O/s a glass of wine, and enjoy this wonderous celebration of lurv!
Disney+
Our pick: Never Been Kissed
Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore), a baby-faced junior copywriter at the Chicago Sun-Times, must pose as a student at her former high school to research contemporary teenage culture. With the help of her brother, Rob (David Arquette), Josie infiltrates the inner circle of the most popular clique on campus. But she hits a major snag in her investigation — not to mention her own failed love life — when she falls for her dreamy English teacher, Sam Coulson (Michael Vartan).
Drew Barrymore and Michael Vartan in Never Been Kissed. Source: 20th Century Studios
In a series of interconnected stories, various Los Angeles residents (Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, BradleyCooper, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts and Taylor Swift) wade their way through the highs and lows of love during a single day. As the holiday unfolds, they experience first dates, longtime commitments, youthful crushes and connections to old flames.
Jennifer Garner and Ashton Kutcher in Valentine’s Day. Source: Warner Bros.
Baby (Jennifer Grey) is one listless summer away from the Peace Corps. Hoping to enjoy her youth while it lasts, she’s disappointed when her summer plans deposit her at a sleepy resort in the Catskills with her parents. Her luck turns around, however, when the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny (Patrick Swayze), enlists Baby as his new partner, and the two fall in love. Baby’s father forbids her from seeing Johnny, but she’s determined to help him perform the last big dance of the summer.
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing. Source: Lionsgate
Two strangers (Emma Roberts and Thomas Mann) believe in love but never seem to be able to find its true meaning. In a wild twist of events, fate puts each in the other’s path on one stormy New Year’s Eve.
Emma Roberts and Thomas Mann in About Fate. Source: United Artists.
In 1940s South Carolina, mill worker Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and rich girl Allie (Rachel McAdams) are desperately in love. But her parents disapprove. When Noah goes off to serve in World War II, it seems to mark the end of their love affair. In the interim, Allie becomes involved with another man (James Marsden), but when Noah returns to their small town years later, on the cusp of Allie’s marriage, it soon becomes clear that their romance is anything but over.
Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in The Notebook. Source: New Line Cinema.
It’s like Popstars, but make it dramatic in the brand-new series Paper Dolls and the cast is filled to the brim with incredible local talent!
On February 12, it was announced that Ten had commissioned an eight-part local drama about five aspiring singers who are thrust into the spotlight in pursuit of pop stardom and fame.
Sound familiar?
Well, the original concept was created by none other than former Bardot (and Sophie Monk’s) bandmate Belinda Chapple, who knows a thing or two about quickly rising to stardom on a TV show.
Belinda Chapple (middle), pictured here with her former Bardot bandmates, created the concept for the series. Source: WEA
What will Paper Dolls be about?
According to the official synopsis: “Never far from the watchful eye of the cameras, fans and critics, HARLOW is born out of the music reality television show Pop Rush, redefining pop culture in the process. However, the five young women must navigate the dark side of a glamorous industry determined to commodify them.”
“Australians are going to love this premium drama that highlights what goes on behind-the-scenes in the making of a girl pop group,” Sophia Mogford, executive producer, drama and comedy at Paramount ANZ, said in a statement.
“It is a fascinating and extraordinary insight which pulls back the showbiz curtain to reveal the dark side of fame. With a stellar ensemble cast of fresh new talent, we can’t wait for audiences to watch Paper Dolls. It is going to be ground-breaking.”
So, who is in the cast of Paper Dolls?
Meet the cast of Paper Dolls
Emalia (Izzy James)
Emalia. Source: Instagram.
Emalia is an Australian RnB/Pop artist, songwriter and actress.
According to her IMDB bio, she began performing at the age of five and during her schooling, sang for the Australian Youth Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2013, and again as a featured artist in The Schools Spectacular (#neverforget).
In 2018, she signed her first record deal with Sony Music Australia, releasing her debut EP Unmuted (2021), featuring previously released tracks Suga Rush and IOU, which featured renowned US rapper Guapdad 4000.
In 2021, Emalia landed her first television feature role as Natalie in episode one of Australian Gangster.
Naomi Sequeira is an award-winning Filmmaker & Actress.
The Sydney-born talent co-hosted Hanging with Adam and Naomi for the Disney Channel and was nominated three times for an Astra Award for the most outstanding presenter and most popular female personality.
According to her official IMDB page, following her turn as a presenter, she starred in ABC’s Rake and the British mystery series, The Evermoor Chronicles.
Sequeira also appeared in Rip Tide, Pearl in Paradise, Romance on the Menuand Blood Sisters; however, more recently, Who I was Before I Forgot, Finally Me and Stan original Totally, Completely Fine.
Miah Madden (Charlie Levett)
Miah Madden. Source: Instagram.
Miah Madden has a huge list of acting credits to her name.
She has appeared in Redfern Now, The Moodys, Hyde and Seek, Australia Day with Bryan Brown, Dive Cluband as young Julie in The Sapphires.
More recently, Madden voiced a character in Disney+’ Koala Man and was cast as a presenter on Play School.
Her first episode, The Yarning and Dreaming Special, featured Indigenous performers Christine Anu and Luke Carroll.
Courtney Clarke (Jade Hart)
Courtney Clarke. Source: Instagram.
Courtney Clarke has appeared in shorts The Gift, Balaclava Lane and Christmas Neeve.
In 2023, Courtney will appear in three episodes of Paramount+ Last King of the Cross alongside Lincoln Younes and Claude Jabbour.
Courtney Monsma (Lillian Milton)
Courtney Monsma. Source: Instagram.
Courtney Monsma has appeared in TV series The Strip and the film Long Shadows, however, she is best known for her role as Princess Anna in the Australian production of Frozen The Musical.
“Playing Princess Anna was a dream come true, and stepping into her shoes a few years back truly changed my life,” she said on Instagram in December 2022.
“I’ve learnt so [sic] much as a performer and a person throughout this process. Looking back, I feel very proud of my growth.”
Who are the creative team behind Paper Dolls?
Paper Dolls was also created and written by Ainslie Clouston (Amazing Grace), with writers David Hannam (Darby and Joan), Marieke Hardy (Heartbreak High), Jenna Purcell, Sara Khan (Heartbreak High) and Thomas Wilson-White (Heartbreak High) and is directed by the powerhouse collective of Tenika Smith (The Heights), Nina Buxton (Summer Love) and Erin White (Wellmania).
Jessica Carrera (Seriously Red) and Kerrie Mainwaring (Bali 2002) serve as producers alongside executive producer Mark Fennessy (Last King of The Cross) and Chapple, and Alexander Pettaras (Last King of The Cross) as associate producer.
Paper Dolls is slated for release in 2023 on 10 and 10Play.
Rihanna fans rejoice! You can watch her EPIC Super Bowl LVII Halftime show right here in Australia.
While there are certainly NFL fans down under who come together with a day beer to watch the game, on a broader scale, it’s the coveted performance that people worldwide look forward to the most.
As the official sponsor for the show, Apple Music released a trailer featuring the 34-year-old performer, announcing that it had been “2190 days” (over six years) since the nine-time Grammy winner had performed on the sporting stage.
However, updated information from TIME states that on the day she performs, it will actually be 2,572 days… but who’s counting?
When is the Super Bowl LVII?
The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will headline an action-packed day of NFL, which takes place on Sunday, February 12 in the US.
This means that down under, we will be able to watch all of the action on Monday, February 13 and hopefully witness Aussie Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles) become the second Australian to ever be a part of a winning Super Bowl team.
When is the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show?
If you want to tune in to see Barbados-born Rihanna slay, the halftime show will kick off around 12.00 pm AEDT.
Since she’s known for high-energy performance, her mash-up could include hits like Only Girl (In The World), Work, B**ch Better Have My Money,Needed Me, Rude Boy or S&M.
We’re also hoping for a powerful ballad in the mix, like the stunning Born Again from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack
But if we’re really being honest, we just want a super-sized production of Umbrella featuring black, glittery brollies, 100 backup dancers and Tom Holland reprising his viral Lip Sync Battle video.
There’s also a rumour that Rihanna could even release her long-awaited ninth studio album streaming platform immediately following her live performance, which, as Hilary Duff says: “Hey now! Hey now! This is what dreams are made of!”
How can we watch the Super Bowl LVII in Australia?
In 2023, Seven has secured the right to the “world’s biggest sporting event”, which will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7, 7mate and 7plus from 10.00 am AEDT.
On 7mate and 7plus, there will also be a special Super Bowl Edition of NFL Armchair Experts, featuring the first Aussie to ever play in a Super Bowl — and Geelong Cats AFL star — Ben Graham.
He will report live on the ground in Arizona before the main event from 9.00 am.
The broadcast will feature NFL commentators Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play) and Greg Olsen (colour analyst) leading the call, supported by sideline reporters Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi.
Watch the Super Bowl LVII Halftime show on February 13, at 12.00 pm on Seven.
Transgender teen Charlie (they/them and he/him) was bullied mercilessly at school before finding the courage to come out to their mum. And now, in a new coming-of-age documentary, Who I Am, Charlie tells his story.
The heartfelt 23-minute coming-of-age documentary follows the transgender and Autistic teen as he learns to be himself with the help of their own original animated characters, The Fallens.
In the short, Charlie sets on a path of navigating the first steps of his transition – the social transition.
Charlie in Who I Am. Source: 10Play
Over three years we watch them come out to family, make it through lockdown, meet new friends, find inclusive healthcare, and ultimately settle into their identity with the new name Aether.
Meanwhile, their mum Anthea goes on her journey to embrace her child for all he is.
The documentary is heartwarming and told through observational moments and intimate reflections from the whole family, including younger siblings Hayley and William, who are also Autistic.
As Aether’s characters come to life, Aether begins their new chapter, learning to be comfortable in their own skin no matter what other people think.
Charlie’s drawing in Who I Am. Source: 10Play
Who I Am was made “to provide a voice for trans and neurodivergent youth”
Behind Aether’s story, is a platform that provides a voice for trans and neurodivergent youth.
According to the film’s official website, Who I Am was made to “inspire reflection and conversation and build an understanding of their experience among young people, teachers, parents and healthcare professionals.”
Research shows that Autistic people are 3–6 times more likely to come out as trans or gender diverse, but little is known about why. In Australia 22.5% of trans and gender diverse youth have an Autism diagnosis.
For more resources and information, please click here and to watch the trailer, click here.
