Exclusive: Jeffery Self and Gabrielle Ryan have boarded Christopher Landon’s upcoming fast-paced thriller, Drop, from Blumhouse, Platinum Dunes and Universal Pictures.
The duo join the previously announced cast including Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar.
Drop is written by Jillian Jacobs & Chris Roach. Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Brad Fuller and Cameron Fuller are producers. Ron Lynch and Sam Lerner are EPs. Drop is a Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse production for Universal.
Self is known for his multiseason recurring role as Marc –Elliott’s on-again-off-again boyfriend– on the Max comedy series, Search Party. Last year, he recurred on the Blumhouse for Amazon series The Horror of Dolores Roach. Recently, he appeared in supporting roles in the Focus Features dramatic feature Spoiler Alert, directed by Michael Showalter and starring Jim Parsons, as well as the romantic comedy Mack & Rita starring Diane Keaton.
The duo join the previously announced cast including Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar.
Drop is written by Jillian Jacobs & Chris Roach. Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Brad Fuller and Cameron Fuller are producers. Ron Lynch and Sam Lerner are EPs. Drop is a Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse production for Universal.
Self is known for his multiseason recurring role as Marc –Elliott’s on-again-off-again boyfriend– on the Max comedy series, Search Party. Last year, he recurred on the Blumhouse for Amazon series The Horror of Dolores Roach. Recently, he appeared in supporting roles in the Focus Features dramatic feature Spoiler Alert, directed by Michael Showalter and starring Jim Parsons, as well as the romantic comedy Mack & Rita starring Diane Keaton.
- 4/24/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Cary Grant was a one-of-a-kind movie star. Sure, there have been others who have reached his level of fame, acclaim, and stature, but in terms of what made Grant a movie star, there has been no one like him before or since. His ability to seamlessly shift between a Hitchcock noir like "Notorious" to a total goofball comedy like "Monkey Business" remains unparalleled. Add to that his dashing good lucks, tall, athletic frame, and signature mid-Atlantic accent, and you have one of the greatest Hollywood icons of all time, if not the greatest.
For someone with such a distinctly defined movie star persona, his malleability as a performer was rather unusual. In the classic Hollywood era, the major studios were the ones molding stars. They had performers under long-term contracts, allowing them to basically plug in anyone they wished into certain projects. Actors would be paid like regular salaried employees...
For someone with such a distinctly defined movie star persona, his malleability as a performer was rather unusual. In the classic Hollywood era, the major studios were the ones molding stars. They had performers under long-term contracts, allowing them to basically plug in anyone they wished into certain projects. Actors would be paid like regular salaried employees...
- 3/4/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
The Vow is returning with a six-episode second season, promising a rare view into Nxivm founder Keith Raniere’s innermost circle, including co-founder Nancy Salzman.
“My whole company was destroyed and my whole life fell apart,” says Salzman, Nxivm’s president and co-founder with Raniere, in the trailer (below), which also features Raniere speaking from prison. “Going into this, I thought Keith was innocent. I was wrong,” Salzman tells the filmmakers.
The Vow, Part Two begins at the start of Raniere’s trial, with the finale capturing the verdict. The follow-up, directed by Jehane Noujaim, debuts Oct. 17, with weekly episodes on HBO and HBO Max.
Much has happened in the two years since The Vow first exposed Nxivm to a mainstream audience.
Nxivm, a company that masqueraded as a self-help group but was actually running a secret sex cult, and its leader Raniere...
The Vow is returning with a six-episode second season, promising a rare view into Nxivm founder Keith Raniere’s innermost circle, including co-founder Nancy Salzman.
“My whole company was destroyed and my whole life fell apart,” says Salzman, Nxivm’s president and co-founder with Raniere, in the trailer (below), which also features Raniere speaking from prison. “Going into this, I thought Keith was innocent. I was wrong,” Salzman tells the filmmakers.
The Vow, Part Two begins at the start of Raniere’s trial, with the finale capturing the verdict. The follow-up, directed by Jehane Noujaim, debuts Oct. 17, with weekly episodes on HBO and HBO Max.
Much has happened in the two years since The Vow first exposed Nxivm to a mainstream audience.
Nxivm, a company that masqueraded as a self-help group but was actually running a secret sex cult, and its leader Raniere...
- 9/22/2022
- by Jackie Strause
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Blind chef Christine Ha won the third season of Fox’s MasterChef in 2012; earlier this year, 11-year-old Ivy Angst, a Little Person with achondroplasia, was runner up on “MasterChef Junior.” Season 1 of the Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games” included wheelchair user Chris Bales among its competitors. The BBC’s “Great British Baking Show” saw chef Briony Williams, born with a limb difference, make it to the 2018 semi-finals; the current season includes Marc Elliott, who started baking as a kind of therapy after he lost a leg in a 2016 motorcycle accident.
Great, right? Until you consider this: Competitive cooking shows dominate the food-tv landscape, with more than 40 series across a spectrum of networks; there are 61 million adults in the U.S. living with a disability. With thousands of episodes, and only a handful of handicapped people, it might suggest that a handicapped, professional chef is something of a unicorn.
“It’s a load of bollocks,...
Great, right? Until you consider this: Competitive cooking shows dominate the food-tv landscape, with more than 40 series across a spectrum of networks; there are 61 million adults in the U.S. living with a disability. With thousands of episodes, and only a handful of handicapped people, it might suggest that a handicapped, professional chef is something of a unicorn.
“It’s a load of bollocks,...
- 10/21/2020
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
1981: Alexandra Neil first appeared on Texas as Ruby.
1987: Days of our Lives' Charlotte Ross debuted as Eve.
2001: One Life to Live's Melissa Archer debuted as Natalie.
2004: Kirsten Storms made her last appearance as Belle on Days."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1934: Musical radio soap opera Dreams Come True premiered on the NBC Red network. The show aired three times a week and revolved around vocalist Barry McKinley. Dreams Come True was sponsored by Procter & Gamble's Camay soap.
1953: On radio soap opera Hilltop House,...
1987: Days of our Lives' Charlotte Ross debuted as Eve.
2001: One Life to Live's Melissa Archer debuted as Natalie.
2004: Kirsten Storms made her last appearance as Belle on Days."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1934: Musical radio soap opera Dreams Come True premiered on the NBC Red network. The show aired three times a week and revolved around vocalist Barry McKinley. Dreams Come True was sponsored by Procter & Gamble's Camay soap.
1953: On radio soap opera Hilltop House,...
- 7/16/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie saw Sarah outside the Old House.
1984: All My Children's Edna didn't want Dottie to see Tad.
1995: One Life to Live's Dorian was up to no good with Viki.
2009: EastEnders' Christian and Syed shared a kiss."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1964: On Another World, Missy Palmer (Carol Roux) had dinner with the Matthews family.
1967: On Dark Shadows, Willie (John Karlen) returned to the Old House to check on Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott), who would rather be dead of...
1984: All My Children's Edna didn't want Dottie to see Tad.
1995: One Life to Live's Dorian was up to no good with Viki.
2009: EastEnders' Christian and Syed shared a kiss."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1964: On Another World, Missy Palmer (Carol Roux) had dinner with the Matthews family.
1967: On Dark Shadows, Willie (John Karlen) returned to the Old House to check on Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott), who would rather be dead of...
- 6/19/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1951: Radio soap opera The Archers premiered. It continues to run to this day.
1968: Dark Shadows' Jeremiah tried to bury Angelique alive.
1981: Knots Landing's Diana and Karen "Put on a Happy Face".
1982: Miss Ellie received tragic news on Dallas."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1951: British radio soap opera The Archers premiered. The show was created by Godfrey Baseley, and originally billed as "an everyday story of country folk."
The opening line was by Dan Archer who said: "And a happy New Year to all!
1968: Dark Shadows' Jeremiah tried to bury Angelique alive.
1981: Knots Landing's Diana and Karen "Put on a Happy Face".
1982: Miss Ellie received tragic news on Dallas."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1951: British radio soap opera The Archers premiered. The show was created by Godfrey Baseley, and originally billed as "an everyday story of country folk."
The opening line was by Dan Archer who said: "And a happy New Year to all!
- 1/2/2019
- by Kevin Mulcahy Jr.
- We Love Soaps
1984: Ryan's Hope's Johnny & Maeve Ryan faced bad news.
1985: General Hospital's Anna set up a "game" with Robin.
1988: Days of our Lives' Eve was a cover girl. 2000: All My
Children's Leo & Greelee were stuck in an elevator."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1972: On Another World, Peggy (Micki Grant) was too tired to get into an argument with Linda (Vera Moore) over Ray and Zack (Terry Alexander).
1979: On As the World Turns, Nancy (Helen Wagner) told Bob (Don Hastings) she was worried about Penny, while Sheila kissed Tom (Tom Tammi).
1984: On Ryan's Hope,...
1985: General Hospital's Anna set up a "game" with Robin.
1988: Days of our Lives' Eve was a cover girl. 2000: All My
Children's Leo & Greelee were stuck in an elevator."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1972: On Another World, Peggy (Micki Grant) was too tired to get into an argument with Linda (Vera Moore) over Ray and Zack (Terry Alexander).
1979: On As the World Turns, Nancy (Helen Wagner) told Bob (Don Hastings) she was worried about Penny, while Sheila kissed Tom (Tom Tammi).
1984: On Ryan's Hope,...
- 10/11/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1981: Alexandra Neil first appeared on Texas as Ruby.
1987: Days of our Lives' Charlotte Ross debuted as Eve.
2001: One Life to Live's Melissa Archer debuted as Natalie.
2004: Kirsten Storms made her last appearance as Belle on Days."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1934: Musical radio soap opera Dreams Come True premiered on the NBC Red network. The show aired three times a week...
1987: Days of our Lives' Charlotte Ross debuted as Eve.
2001: One Life to Live's Melissa Archer debuted as Natalie.
2004: Kirsten Storms made her last appearance as Belle on Days."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1934: Musical radio soap opera Dreams Come True premiered on the NBC Red network. The show aired three times a week...
- 7/16/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1951: The Archers premiered.
1968: Dark Shadows' Jeremiah tried to bury Angelique alive.
1981: Knots Landing's Diana and Karen "Put on a Happy Face".
1982: Dallas' Miss Ellie received tragic news."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1951: British radio soap opera The Archers premiered. The show was created by Godfrey Baseley, and originally billed as "an everyday story of country folk."
The opening line was by Dan Archer who said: "And a happy New Year to all!" His wife Doris responded with: "A very happy New Year, Dan." During the episode, Dan’s son Philip shared a kiss with a nearby farmer’s daughter,...
1968: Dark Shadows' Jeremiah tried to bury Angelique alive.
1981: Knots Landing's Diana and Karen "Put on a Happy Face".
1982: Dallas' Miss Ellie received tragic news."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1951: British radio soap opera The Archers premiered. The show was created by Godfrey Baseley, and originally billed as "an everyday story of country folk."
The opening line was by Dan Archer who said: "And a happy New Year to all!" His wife Doris responded with: "A very happy New Year, Dan." During the episode, Dan’s son Philip shared a kiss with a nearby farmer’s daughter,...
- 1/2/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
By Lee Pfeiffer
Cary Grant was one of the few actors to defy the effects of aging. The older he got, the more popular his films became. By the late 1950s Grant had become uncomfortable making movies because he realized audiences only wanted to see him as a romantic lead and he felt self-conscious about studio insistence that he be seen on screen romancing female leads who were often decades younger than him. Nonetheless, Grant kept forestalling his frequent vows to retire from acting. He had taken much more control over his career by forming his own production company and the result were some of the biggest hits of his career ("Operation Petticoat", "That Touch of Mink", "Charade"). Grant's primary motivation for not retiring was his desire- or rather, obsession- with winning an Oscar. Alfred Hitchcock had advised him that the best way to do so was to get away...
Cary Grant was one of the few actors to defy the effects of aging. The older he got, the more popular his films became. By the late 1950s Grant had become uncomfortable making movies because he realized audiences only wanted to see him as a romantic lead and he felt self-conscious about studio insistence that he be seen on screen romancing female leads who were often decades younger than him. Nonetheless, Grant kept forestalling his frequent vows to retire from acting. He had taken much more control over his career by forming his own production company and the result were some of the biggest hits of his career ("Operation Petticoat", "That Touch of Mink", "Charade"). Grant's primary motivation for not retiring was his desire- or rather, obsession- with winning an Oscar. Alfred Hitchcock had advised him that the best way to do so was to get away...
- 12/26/2017
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Saturday nights are no longer for going out - The X Factor is finally returning to our small screens this weekend with new hosts, a fresh judging panel and a fair few format shake-ups.
But whatever happened to the finalists of the first ever series - "barking bloody mad" Rowetta Satchell, red-haired wannabe rocker Tabby Callaghan, cheesy best friend duo 2 to Go and eventual winner Steve Brookstein?
Roberta Howett
Roberta Howett went from unhappy telecommunications worker to Louis Walsh's Dublin darling after her successful X Factor audition. But perhaps it was the curse of the Walsh that resulted in her early exit from the series when she became the first act to be eliminated.
Now 33, Roberta appeared on the debut album of Spanish composer Toni Castells in 2007. She finally released her debut album in 2010, its lead single 'Beautiful Lies' became her first Top 40 single in the Irish Singles Chart,...
But whatever happened to the finalists of the first ever series - "barking bloody mad" Rowetta Satchell, red-haired wannabe rocker Tabby Callaghan, cheesy best friend duo 2 to Go and eventual winner Steve Brookstein?
Roberta Howett
Roberta Howett went from unhappy telecommunications worker to Louis Walsh's Dublin darling after her successful X Factor audition. But perhaps it was the curse of the Walsh that resulted in her early exit from the series when she became the first act to be eliminated.
Now 33, Roberta appeared on the debut album of Spanish composer Toni Castells in 2007. She finally released her debut album in 2010, its lead single 'Beautiful Lies' became her first Top 40 single in the Irish Singles Chart,...
- 8/28/2015
- Digital Spy
Part I.
1971 was an incredibly violent year for movies. That year saw, among others, Tom Laughlin’s Billy Jack, with its half-Indian hero karate-chopping rednecks; William Friedkin’s The French Connection, its dogged cops stymied by well-heeled drug runners; Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, banned for the copycat crimes it reportedly inspired; and Sam Peckinpah’s Straw Dogs, featuring the most controversial rape in cinema history. Every bloody shooting, sexual assault and death by penis statue reflected a world gone mad.
It seemed a reaction to America’s skyrocketing crime. Between 1963 and 1975, violent crimes tripled; riots, robberies and assassinations racked major cities. The antiwar and Civil Rights movements generated violent offshoots like the Weathermen and Black Panthers. Citizens blamed politicians like New York Mayor John Lindsay (the original “limousine liberal”), who proclaimed “Peace cannot be imposed on our cities by force of arms,” and Earl Warren’s Supreme Court,...
1971 was an incredibly violent year for movies. That year saw, among others, Tom Laughlin’s Billy Jack, with its half-Indian hero karate-chopping rednecks; William Friedkin’s The French Connection, its dogged cops stymied by well-heeled drug runners; Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, banned for the copycat crimes it reportedly inspired; and Sam Peckinpah’s Straw Dogs, featuring the most controversial rape in cinema history. Every bloody shooting, sexual assault and death by penis statue reflected a world gone mad.
It seemed a reaction to America’s skyrocketing crime. Between 1963 and 1975, violent crimes tripled; riots, robberies and assassinations racked major cities. The antiwar and Civil Rights movements generated violent offshoots like the Weathermen and Black Panthers. Citizens blamed politicians like New York Mayor John Lindsay (the original “limousine liberal”), who proclaimed “Peace cannot be imposed on our cities by force of arms,” and Earl Warren’s Supreme Court,...
- 5/28/2015
- by Christopher Saunders
- SoundOnSight
Let's see what the critics had to say...Urinetown, the musical, runs at The St James Theatre until 3 May 2014, starring Marc Elliott EastEndersThe History BoysTape as Mr. McQueen, Richard Fleeshman GhostLegally BlondeCoronation Street as Bobby Strong, Simon Paisley Day SherlockMusketeersTimon Of Athens as Caldwell B. Cladwell, Jenna Russell Merrily We Roll AlongSunday In The Park With GeorgeGuys And Dolls as Penelope Pennywise, Jonathan Slinger HamletThe TempestYes, Prime Minister as Officer Lockstock and is directed by Jamie Lloyd The Commitments, Macbeth, The Hothouse, The Pride at the St James Theatre.
- 3/12/2014
- by Review Roundups
- BroadwayWorld.com
John Partridge wants more ''hot new gays'' on 'EastEnders'. The 41-year-old actor quit his role of Christian Clarke after almost five years last year, along with co-star Marc Elliott, who played his on-screen lover Syed Masood, and has called for show bosses to fill the gap left by their departure with new homosexual characters. He said: ''Bring in hot new gays, that's what I say. Everyone needs to be represented - so somebody's got to come flying that pink flag.'' John was delighted by the popularity of Christian and Syed and doesn't think their sexuality mattered to soap fans. He added to The Sun...
- 1/2/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
EastEnders actor John Partridge has said that the soap needs to have more gay characters. Partridge played gay personal trainer Christian Clarke for almost five years until he left the soap in November with husband Syed Masood (Marc Elliott). The actor has spoken of his hopes that the couple's popularity will inspire writers to bring in more homosexual characters. "We only ever had a positive response from people," he told The Sun. "It became a love story and the fact that it was two men became immaterial. (more)...
- 1/2/2013
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
EastEnders' Syed Masood has one last chance to save his relationship with Christian Clarke in tonight's (November 15) episode of the soap. With Christian (John Partridge) preparing to leave for America and Syed (Marc Elliott) refusing to speak to him again, Zainab and Lucy are forced to intervene by scheming to get the stubborn pair into the Argee Bhajee and locking them in. Finally alone, Christian and Syed have a long and honest conversation about their romance and the various problems they've (more)...
- 11/15/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
'EastEnders' star John Partridge thinks the show needs some hot gay guys. The actor hopes that BBC One bosses will bring in some fresh talent after his character Christian Clarke leaves the soap this month along with his on-screen boyfriend Syed Masood (Marc Elliott). Discussing his upcoming exit, John told The Sun newspaper: ''I'll always be a fan of the show. They should bring in some hot new gay guys. Out with the old and in with the new.'' The actor has developed a close friendship with his co-star Marc despite their differences, and says he will be leaving the show with...
- 11/12/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Departing EastEnders star John Partridge has called on bosses to bring in new gay characters. Partridge's alter ego Christian Clarke, along with boyfriend Syed Masood, will be leaving Albert Square next week. When asked by Inside Soap about his feelings for the show, the actor declared: "I'll always be an avid fan of the show. "They should bring in some hot new gay guys - out with the old and in with the new." Of his time with co-star and on-screen lover Marc Elliot, Partridge (more)...
- 11/9/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Christian Clarke and Syed Masood get one last chance to save their relationship as the pair's final EastEnders episode arrives next week. The couple have hit the rocks in recent days, and as seen in our Sunday picture update, things are only set to get worse when a furious Syed discovers that Christian (John Partridge) is planning to move away to America for a fresh start and hasn't told him. Accepting that Christian is leaving and his marriage is over, Syed (Marc Elliott) begins making less exciting plans for his own future - realising that he'll have to move back in with his parents as he cannot afford the rent on his own. Zainab, however, is dismayed that Syed is giving up on his marriage so easily, so (more)...
- 11/6/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langford's Picks And Pans
Coronation Street
Every time I watch this show, I wonder if I’m just a "bad gay." There’s a lot of people who don’t like this storyline, saying it’s bad and offensive and sends the wrong message to viewers, that it’s a woman’s fantasy in that if she waits long enough she can turn that gay guy that she’s had her eye on. I suppose those are valid points and yet, I don’t see it that way at all. At least not right now.
I just think there’s lots of story left to be played out so it’s a bit too soon to see if this is a drama about a gay guy going straight (which the show says it isn’t). Now if at the end of this romance, Marcus starts sleeping his way through the...
Coronation Street
Every time I watch this show, I wonder if I’m just a "bad gay." There’s a lot of people who don’t like this storyline, saying it’s bad and offensive and sends the wrong message to viewers, that it’s a woman’s fantasy in that if she waits long enough she can turn that gay guy that she’s had her eye on. I suppose those are valid points and yet, I don’t see it that way at all. At least not right now.
I just think there’s lots of story left to be played out so it’s a bit too soon to see if this is a drama about a gay guy going straight (which the show says it isn’t). Now if at the end of this romance, Marcus starts sleeping his way through the...
- 10/31/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
John Partridge has described his exit from EastEnders as "overwhelming". The actor recently confirmed that he will be leaving the soap as Christian Clarke, along with his on-screen lover Syed Masood, played by Marc Elliott. He explained that filming his final scenes on the BBC soap was "exhausting". "Leaving was incredibly emotional, and the last day was very difficult," he told What's on TV. "You have the whole anticipation of it coming and, when it finally happens, it's overwhelming. I was in tears; our executive producer, Lorraine Newman, was in tears; the people in props were in tears. Afterwards, I felt exhausted." Partridge stated that his decision to quit the soap was a joint one with co-star Elliott, as he felt the characters would not work well (more)...
- 10/30/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
EastEnders star Marc Elliott has insisted that his character Syed Masood does genuinely love his new husband Christian Clarke. Syed sparks another big relationship crisis for the pair in the coming days after Christian (John Partridge) challenges him to be honest about his feelings. With Syed unable to express his love following all of their recent problems, Christian is unsure whether they should be together. Speaking to Inside Soap, however, Elliott offered reassurance that the pair still have a strong bond. Elliott commented: "It's odd to think that Syed would marry him and then struggle to admit his feelings - but maybe he fears opening up too much. "After everything they've been through, the one thing you'd want (more)...
- 10/30/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders fans can expect the Christian, Syed and Danny love triangle to explode next week with an arrest and a shocking revelation on the way. Christian (John Partridge) sparks a terrible chain of events in an upcoming episode when he decides to take matters into his own hands when it comes to Danny (Gary Lucy), who continues to cause trouble in the next few days. The drama begins when Christian discovers that Danny is hassling Syed (Marc Elliott) to pay back all of the cash he advanced him during his recent financial woes. Keen to sort this out once and for all, Christian secretly uses his husband's phone to trick Danny into meeting him at the boxing gym. As the pair come face-to-face, Christian warns Danny to stop putting so much pressure on Syed for the repayments - he'll get the cash when it's ready. However, Christian is completely unprepared...
- 10/22/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langford's Picks And Pans
Neighbours
I guess I shouldn’t be shocked that now that Chris and Aidan are back together, they’d return to their old roles of supporting players in everyone else’s drama. Sadly, we don’t even get any scenes of them enjoying being back together or working to get the point they were before the split as they were nearly living together back then, though Chris did casually mention they were taking things slow. Let’s hope we get some insight to their relationship as it goes forward, though given this show’s history, I have my doubts.
As for the drama we did see, I really find Chris’ endless support of Andrew to be annoying. As Tash and Summer rightfully pointed out, Andrew screwed Chris over and would do it again. And he barely apologized for nearly ruining Chris’ life and almost bankrupting Chris’ family.
Neighbours
I guess I shouldn’t be shocked that now that Chris and Aidan are back together, they’d return to their old roles of supporting players in everyone else’s drama. Sadly, we don’t even get any scenes of them enjoying being back together or working to get the point they were before the split as they were nearly living together back then, though Chris did casually mention they were taking things slow. Let’s hope we get some insight to their relationship as it goes forward, though given this show’s history, I have my doubts.
As for the drama we did see, I really find Chris’ endless support of Andrew to be annoying. As Tash and Summer rightfully pointed out, Andrew screwed Chris over and would do it again. And he barely apologized for nearly ruining Chris’ life and almost bankrupting Chris’ family.
- 10/17/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Marc Elliott claims he had to quit 'EastEnders' to avoid being typecast. The actor has portrayed Syed Masood in the BBC One soap for almost four years but says he had to leave because he was afraid he would only be remembered for playing ''the gay muslim''. He said: ''I didn't want to be remembered as that lad from 'EastEnders', the gay muslim. That's why you get into the business, to find new characters.'' Marc broke down taboos when Syed became soap's first openly gay muslim, following his romance with long-term boyfriend Christian Clarke (John Partridge), and he says he's glad viewers have...
- 10/16/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Departing EastEnders star Marc Elliott has explained that he left the show to avoid becoming typecast. The actor, who has played Syed Masood since 2009, will be making his on-screen exit in November before starring in a West End play. Elliott is quoted by The Sun as saying: "I didn't want to be remembered as that lad from EastEnders, the gay Muslim. That's why you get into the business, to find new characters." Reflecting on his time on the show, Elliott added: "Playing Syed meant I've had loads of letters from people of all religions coming to terms with their sexuality. "That's what I am proud of most, portraying a normal, (more)...
- 10/16/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
EastEnders star Marc Elliott has explained his decision to leave his role as Syed Masood. The actor revealed that he had always planned to spend to spend three years on the BBC soap since joining in 2009. Speaking to Soaplife, the Walford star acknowledged that he has slightly exceeded his original time scale. Elliott said: "I always intended to do three years and ended up doing three years and seven (more)...
- 10/12/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
EastEnders star Marc Elliott has said that Syed is genuinely split between his feelings for Christian and Danny. Syed Masood is set to marry fiancé Christian Clarke next Tuesday, but starts to suffer doubts after kissing his business consultant Danny Pennant. The actor told Soaplife: "He doesn't know what he wants. Should he go for a penthouse on the Riviera and a life with Danny? "Or should he choose a flat with (more)...
- 10/11/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Marc Elliott only intended to say in 'EastEnders' for three years. The actor - who plays gay character Syed Masood in the BBC soap - will soon be leaving with partner Christian Clarke (John Partridge), but while he is excited to be going on to try new things, he will not say if they will be departing together or separately. He said: ''Will we leave together? I can't say. You won't know until the last minute what is to become of them. ''I always intended to do three years and ended up doing three years and seven months. I thought it was...
- 10/10/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Syed Masood (Marc Elliott) will punch Danny Pennant (Gary Lucy) after he tries to kiss him in 'EastEnders'. The conflicted character will try to slip out of his own stag party to clear his head, when Danny comes out to find him and convince them they belong together. However, during their chat - which will air on Monday (15.10.12) - investment banker Danny reveals he has lost all of Syed's cash in a scheme that has gone wrong. Then, Danny attempts to kiss Syed, whose father Masood (Nitin Ganatra) then walks in, wanting to know what is happening. When Danny...
- 10/9/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
A joyous day for the Masood family looks set to descend into all-out war on EastEnders next week as Christian and Syed's civil partnership ceremony has some uninvited guests. Despite all the hitches in the build-up to the pair's big moment, love will come through in the end as they exchange their vows at the Argee Bhajee as planned - with a tearful Christian (John Partridge) particularly moved by how far they've come as a couple. Once the pair's official union is confirmed, Masood (Nitin Ganatra) is the first to make a speech - declaring how proud he is of Syed and how he's gained another son now that Christian is part of the family. Syed (Marc Elliott) is delighted that things have gone so well, but he's not smiling for long as a group of bailiffs (more)...
- 10/9/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders' Syed Masood punches Danny Pennant next week after the mischievous city boy pushes him too far. Syed's confrontation with Danny (Gary Lucy) takes place after he quietly slips out of his own stag party and heads to the Argee Bhajee, needing some space to clear his head following his recent problems. However, when Danny follows Syed (Marc Elliott) there, he makes matters even more complicated by trying to convince him that they should be together. Syed responds by insisting that he loves fiancé Christian Clarke, adding that all he wants from Danny is a return on his investment. To Syed's horror, (more)...
- 10/8/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Marc Elliott only intended to say in 'EastEnders' for three years. The actor - who plays gay character Syed Masood in the BBC soap - will soon be leaving with partner Christian Clarke (John Partridge), but while he is excited to be going on to try new things, he will not say if they will be departing together or separately. He said: ''Will we leave together? I can't say. You won't know until the last minute what is to become of them. ''I always intended to do three years and ended up doing three years and seven months. I thought it was...
- 10/8/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
EastEnders star Marc Elliott has landed a West End theatre role after making his departure from the soap. The actor recently filmed his final scenes as Syed Masood, who will bow out from Walford in November. Elliott has now been confirmed for an upcoming production of Stephen Belber play Tape at the Trafalgar Studios in Whitehall, London. Tape is billed as "a high stakes and suspenseful exploration of memory, truth and perception", focusing on the reunion of two high (more)...
- 9/28/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Gary Lucy ''couldn't sleep'' before his first 'EastEnders' gay kiss. The 30-year-old actor's alter ego Danny Pennant will get intimate with Syed Masood (Marc Elliott) and the former 'Dancing On Ice' star was relieved his co-star made his first same-sex scenes ''fine''. He said: ''It was the first time I'd kissed a guy, so it was different. ''The night before I just had to tell myself, 'Right, I'm going to work and kiss a bloke' - all night. ''Fortunately, Marc is a really nice, easy-going guy. ''We ran the scenes a few times and it was absolutely fine. It wasn't awkward at all. ''You're into the...
- 9/26/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Syed Masood risks his future with partner Christian Clarke on EastEnders next month as he shares a kiss with newcomer Danny Pennant. Gary Lucy will soon make his first appearance as city banker Danny, who immediately strikes up a bond with Syed when they meet at the Argee Bhajee. Desperate for a way to solve his worsening financial problems, Syed (Marc Elliott) subsequently consults Danny on a number of occasions for his guidance and advice. In (more)...
- 9/25/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Gary Lucy has spoken about his "fantastic" new role in EastEnders. The former Hollyoaks actor will appear in the soap later this week as city banker Danny Pennant. His character finds himself in a love triangle with Syed (Marc Elliott) and Christian (John Partridge) after meeting Syed at the Argee Bhajee. "It's been a fantastic couple of weeks, a good storyline and one I thoroughly enjoy," Lucy told The Sun. > Gary Lucy's first scenes as Danny - spoiler pictures Talking about playing a gay character, Lucy said: "It's (more)...
- 9/25/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
EastEnders fans see Gary Lucy's guest stint begin next week as his character Danny Pennant strikes up a bond with Syed Masood. City banker Danny arrives at the Argee Bhajee just as Syed (Marc Elliott) is facing a particularly difficult time in his life, struggling to cover his tracks after stealing from the restaurant. Danny turns up with a number of other city boys, and at first Syed clearly isn't impressed by any of them as he overhears their conversations. However, when Danny later starts talking to Syed alone, events take a twist as he shows a caring side, sensing that the Walford resident is troubled. Danny suggests to Syed that it may be useful to confide in a stranger, and soon enough he is listening intently as Syed opens up about his financial problems and much more. The next day, Danny pays another visit to the Argee Bhajee...
- 9/17/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langford’S Picks And Pans
Neighbours
As I said last week, I’m really enjoying Neighbours these days. The fallout from the accident has continued to make for interesting soap. Now, I don’t know anything about epilepsy or its symptoms, so I can’t say if the show is being medically accurate about Andrew’s illness, but it’s dramatically compelling to watch.
I see a lot of comments about Andrew being ‘stupid’ for not taking Aidan’s advice and telling people about his situation, but his behavior makes perfect sense to me. Andrew has always been one to avoid problems. His father is repeatedly telling him he needs to be tough and he can’t even talk to Chris and his friends because they won’t have anything to do with him following the accident. Risking his health might be stupid, but it’s realistic.
What isn’t so realistic,...
Neighbours
As I said last week, I’m really enjoying Neighbours these days. The fallout from the accident has continued to make for interesting soap. Now, I don’t know anything about epilepsy or its symptoms, so I can’t say if the show is being medically accurate about Andrew’s illness, but it’s dramatically compelling to watch.
I see a lot of comments about Andrew being ‘stupid’ for not taking Aidan’s advice and telling people about his situation, but his behavior makes perfect sense to me. Andrew has always been one to avoid problems. His father is repeatedly telling him he needs to be tough and he can’t even talk to Chris and his friends because they won’t have anything to do with him following the accident. Risking his health might be stupid, but it’s realistic.
What isn’t so realistic,...
- 9/12/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
EastEnders stars Nitin Ganatra, Nina Wadia and Phaldut Sharma have promised that the upcoming exit of Syed and Christian will be "particularly special". It was announced last week that Marc Elliott and John Partridge are to leave the BBC soap, with their final appearances taking place in November.
Speaking to Digital Spy at the TV Choice Awards last night (September 10), the trio said that saying goodbye would be "very painful" for both themselves and the Masoods. "Of course we're going to miss them, yeah," Ganatra said. "We've become such a big family unit anyway and to see the family split up like that it's going to be very painful. "We (more)...
Speaking to Digital Spy at the TV Choice Awards last night (September 10), the trio said that saying goodbye would be "very painful" for both themselves and the Masoods. "Of course we're going to miss them, yeah," Ganatra said. "We've become such a big family unit anyway and to see the family split up like that it's going to be very painful. "We (more)...
- 9/11/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
EastEnders stars Nitin Ganatra, Nina Wadia and Phaldut Sharma have promised that the upcoming exit of Syed and Christian will be "particularly special". It was announced last week that Marc Elliott and John Partridge are to leave the BBC soap, with their final appearances taking place in November.
Speaking to Digital Spy at the TV Choice Awards last night (September 10), the trio said that saying goodbye would be "very painful" for both themselves and the Masoods. "Of course we're going to miss them, yeah," Ganatra said. "We've become such a big family unit anyway and to see the family split up like that it's going to be very painful. "We (more)...
Speaking to Digital Spy at the TV Choice Awards last night (September 10), the trio said that saying goodbye would be "very painful" for both themselves and the Masoods. "Of course we're going to miss them, yeah," Ganatra said. "We've become such a big family unit anyway and to see the family split up like that it's going to be very painful. "We (more)...
- 9/11/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Marc Elliott and John Partridge are to leave EastEnders, it has been announced. The duo, who play lovers Syed Masood and Christian Clarke, will be written out of the BBC soap in November in a dramatic storyline currently being kept under wraps. Digital Spy can confirm that Elliott informed EastEnders bosses of his intention to leave back in February. Show chiefs and Partridge then reached the mutual decision that Christian should depart screens at the same time as Syed. Executive producer Lorraine Newman explained: "Marc and John have been a fantastic part of EastEnders and the characters of Syed and Christian have been a huge success for the show. "Their storylines have broken boundaries that have not been seen in a soap before, and the love for them by the viewers can be seen in the 'Chryed' fans. "When Marc announced (more)...
- 9/7/2012
- by By Christian Tobin
- Digital Spy
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has teased what lies in store for Syed Masood (Marc Elliott). The 45-year-old actor, who plays Syed's father Masood Ahmed on the soap, told the BBC Asian Network that Syed will soon return to his old "dodgy" ways. Syed, who was caught stealing money from the family business in his younger days, has appeared to settle down in the past couple of years, but Ganatra suggested that the character will soon have a new storyline where his 'flaws' comes to the fore again. On what Syed will be up to in future episodes, Ganatra replied: "All of his shenanigans. I don't know if you remember, Syed when he first came on the show was into businesses, and was doing some dodgy dealings with money and stuff (more)...
- 9/4/2012
- by By Christian Tobin
- Digital Spy
Langford’S Picks And Pans
EastEnders
I wish I could have just focused on the story that was playing out in these episodes, but I found myself very distracted by the horrible hairstyles of both Christian and Syed. First of all, John Partridge is a very good looking man, but he’s not 21 anymore and those brassy highlights just don’t work for him. Though, to be fair, they are in Christian’s character to do such a thing.
Still, they come off as an unfortunate attempt to hold on to your youth and such an attractive mature fella as Partridge need not do such things, Imo. Leave these bad hair choices to the twinks and the club kids, shall we? As for Marc Elliot, a trip to the barber is in order for a much needed trim. I usually don’t comment on such things, but like I said,...
EastEnders
I wish I could have just focused on the story that was playing out in these episodes, but I found myself very distracted by the horrible hairstyles of both Christian and Syed. First of all, John Partridge is a very good looking man, but he’s not 21 anymore and those brassy highlights just don’t work for him. Though, to be fair, they are in Christian’s character to do such a thing.
Still, they come off as an unfortunate attempt to hold on to your youth and such an attractive mature fella as Partridge need not do such things, Imo. Leave these bad hair choices to the twinks and the club kids, shall we? As for Marc Elliot, a trip to the barber is in order for a much needed trim. I usually don’t comment on such things, but like I said,...
- 8/8/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
EastEnders star Nina Wadia has admitted that she wants 'lighter' material ahead for her character Zainab Khan. Zainab recently reached a huge turning point as she finally made peace with Christian Clarke, the partner of her son Syed (Marc Elliott). The mum-of-four decided to bury the hatchet with Christian (John Partridge) shortly after she had confessed the truth about the night of the B&B blaze, when she sent her abusive husband Yusef back into the flames. Wadia told Pa of Zainab's future: "I finally get to show the world she's not a homophobe. It was very emotional filming those scenes with John Partridge. I'm hoping they lighten her up a bit now." The actress also reaffirmed her desire to see Zainab reunited with ex-husband (more)...
- 3/14/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Christian Clarke and Zainab Masood have an emotional heart-to-heart in Thursday night's (March 8) EastEnders episode. Zainab (Nina Wadia) is feeling the strain after confessing the truth about her actions on the night of the B&B blaze, but the fallout from her revelation is interrupted by an incident at the Argee Bhajee restaurant. Christian (John Partridge) is the one who's left with Zainab while the rest of the family deal with the situation, and he ends up being a huge source of comfort to her as she speaks candidly about her guilt. As the discussion moves on to Syed (Marc Elliott), Zainab has a big question to ask (more)...
- 3/7/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders star Nina Wadia has said that she is pleased her character Zainab Masood will soon settle her differences with Christian Clarke. Zainab has big episodes on the way next week as she finally confesses that she deliberately sent Yusef Khan back into the burning B&B at Christmas, which leaves her family stunned. The revelation also has an unexpected consequence as Christian (John Partridge) becomes an unlikely ally for Zainab, who spent many months disapproving of his relationship with her son Syed (Marc Elliott). Wadia told All About Soap: "Johnny and I have been waiting for this scene for ages. Ever since Christian saved Masood from the fire, Zainab's seen him in a very different light - and she's realised that Christian is a good person. "She sits with Christian and tells him she wants to be forgiven, and he says that (more)...
- 2/28/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders' Syed faces a struggle to win Christian back in tonight's episode of the soap. Syed (Marc Elliott) remains desperate to make things right this evening, but Christian (John Partridge) is in no mood for forgiveness after witnessing Amira's recent attempt to kiss Syed. When Amira's (Preeya Kalidas) presence continues to cause problems, Syed goes all-out to persuade (more)...
- 1/6/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders' Amira continues her scheming as she kisses Syed in front of Christian in Thursday night's episode of the soap. Amira (Preeya Kalidas) pulls the stunt at The Vic in an attempt to warn Christian (John Partridge) off and prevent a reunion between the pair, but Syed is horrified by her antics. Although Syed (Marc Elliott) is keen to make things right with Christian once and (more)...
- 1/4/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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