News about Elaine Paige

ITV have reportedly shelved their big-budget musical show Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream after just one series. The talent show, which was filmed in Corfu last spring, succeeded in finding two theatre stars to take on the roles of Sophie and Sky in the beloved West End musical, which celebrated its 25th Anniversary last week. The winners, Stevie Doc and Tobias Turley, made their debut performances at the end of January and are still wowing audiences every night.

On Saturday, the soul singer and actress, 51, took to Instagram to announce that she would be stepping in. Over the next two Sundays, Beverley will broadcast show tunes in place of Cats actor Elaine, 76. Sharing a snap of herself at the BBC Radio 2 studios, the Olivier award-winner said: 'My luvs I'm so honoured to be sitting in for the legendary Elaine Paige for the next few Sundays at 1pm on @bbcradio2 starting this weekend!I can't wait to share your favourite show tunes with the Radio 2 listeners - it's going to be such a treat! xxxx.'

EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: His celebrated works include Evita, Chess, and The Lion King, but Sir Tim Rice's personal life is much more colorful than any of his musicals' plot. And now I hear that the Oscar-winning lyricist has fallen in love with glamorous literary agent Caroline Michel. They are London's new power couple,' claims one of their acquaintances. They've been to a variety of parties and cultural events together in recent weeks, and it's been lovely for people to see that they're together.'

Paul Pearson, the Bafta-nominated actor's handler, reported his death due to his 'old age.' The Hunt for Red October's star was surrounded by his family, with Mr Pearson describing him as 'lucid, erudite, and mischievous to the end.' Ackland's (left) illustrious six-decade career saw him appear in more than 130 film and television roles, most notably sharing the silver screen with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in 1989's Lethal Weapon 2 (top right). In the film's climax, the prolific actor played corrupt South African minister Arjen Rudd, but Glover's character Roger Murtaugh is the only one to shoot him in the head and say, 'Has just been withdrawn.'

Viewers of Mamma Mia! As the first episode aired on Sunday, I had a Dream when the choice of judges for the show baffled me. In a recent West End version of the Mamma Mia film, 14 hopefuls vie for Sophie and Sky. The contestants live in a Greek villa as they compete, named after the legendary ABBA song and filmed on the Greek island of Corfu over eight weeks.

Entries for the Queen Consort's Coronation Champions Awards, which have been sponsored by the Daily Mail, have shattered expectations. By the time the awards were announced on Sunday, almost 5,000 unsung volunteer heroes had been nominated - double the expected figure - with a significant number of people nominated specifically by Mail readers. The Coronation Champions Awards, which are sponsored by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), are honoring those extraordinary people who sacrificed their own time to assist others in a moment in history for the nation. The King and his Lady, Camilla, were particularly keen on their Coronation celebrations in May, which served as an opportunity to recognize and honor those who go the extra mile in their communities.

While listening to BBC Radio 3, the screenwriter, singer, and composer died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' last month. The Royal Family were huge supporters of Hesketh-Harvey's work and, at a service in Covent Garden yesterday, his son Rollo read a letter sent from the monarch about who his father used to be. Dame Penelope Keith (left), model and make-up artist Jemma, Marchioness of Douro (middle), and Oscar winner Sir Tim Rice (right).

EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: This is an honor that would have made Margo Leadbetter, the social-climbing snob she appeared on the classic sitcom The Good Life, inordinately proud: Yesterday, Dame Penelope Keith (left) represented King Charles at the funeral of one of his favorite entertainers, Kit Hesketh-Harvey (inset). The dame, 82, who appeared in To The Manor Borning, accompanied the mourners at the actors' church, St Paul's in London. Hesketh-Harvey, who died suddenly last month at the age of 65, was a cabaret singer, lyricist, and pantomime baddie. He used to perform for King Charles, but Rollo's son, who died yesterday, reads a letter from the monarch describing his father's funeral.

A number of celebrities have endorsed a bid to find Britain's Coronation Champions. After the Queen Consort's announcement of the new awards scheme for volunteers, actors from stage and screen praised it. The Coronation Champions Awards, which are administered by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), will honor unsung heroes who give up their own time to assist others.

On Thursday, the comedian, 38, and the professional dancer, 35, were all smiles as they enjoyed a horse and carriage ride in Blackpool ahead of Strictly Come Dancing. After being unable to film at the historic venue due to the coronavirus pandemic, the two filmed scenes ahead of the BBC shows return to the iconic Blackpool Tower ballroom on Saturday.

The actor appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race UK's second series before embarking on television and fronting BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud. FEMAIL rounds up the incredible artist's best moments, from heartfelt conversations about being LGBTQIA+ in the traveler community to stunning runway views.

After a shake-up saw him swapping with comedian Rob Beckett for 13 weeks at a time, the host (pictured) hosted his last Sunday 5-7 p.m. slot on Sunday. "I'm leaving because everybody's asked me this," Mr O'Grady said on Instagram on Sunday (left): "I'm going to be sad because I wasn't very happy with the 13 weeks on, 13 weeks off work, and not so happy with the 13 weeks. So I did the right thing by honoring my work, gave my notice, and now I'm off. Thank you very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may it continue.' He began presenting the show in 2009 and paid tribute to his long-time producer during his 546th appearance when he announced his catch.'Ta-Ra'

CHRISTOPHER STEVENS: I'll admit that an ambulance crew may be screaming uncontrollably as they speed through traffic. Staff on Ambulance (BBC1) are always yelling.