Sugababes derail docu-series after only one member of the band agrees to film’s rules
IT used to be somewhat of an event when pop stars pulled back the curtain for candid documentaries about their lives away from the stage.
But while the likes of Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi have delivered world-class, hard-hitting insights with their specials, it seems every man and his dog now have their own docu-series.
That’s why it’s somewhat refreshing to see the Sugababes have broken with tradition and have turned down a lucrative offer from streaming services to have a film about the band.
I can reveal the trio – Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan, Siobhan Donaghy – plus former members Jade Ewen, Amelle Berrabah and Heidi Range were all asked to take part.
The series was set to be a warts-and-all look back on the chart-topping band, who have been plagued with bitter infighting, legal battles and a revolving door of members ever since they crashed on to the scene in 2000 with debut single Overload.
However, not keen to shine a light on their rocky history, all of the members turned down the opportunity bar Heidi, forcing producers to scrap their plans.
I have to hand it to the girls for having the determination to say no when a massive cheque is dangled in front of them.
Sometimes things are better left in the past.
Yello, Halle
LITTLE Mermaid star Halle Bailey is trenched in sunshine during a whistle-stop visit to Milan Fashion Week.
The American actress wore a bright yellow coat-dress from Dolce & Gabbana after being invited to see the designer’s spring/summer 2024 collection in the Italian city.
Halle shared pictures of her on Instagram with the caption: “ Dripping in Gucci for Milan Fashion Week.”
Halle was discovered by Beyonce alongside her sister Chloe and the American superstar signed the duo to her Parkwood Entertainment company back in 2015 in a six-album deal.
As well as recording new music, Halle made a massive splash when she landed the role of Ariel in Disney’s live-action remake of Little Mermaid and will appear in The Color Purple when it’s released in cinemas in January.
Beyonce clearly knows a good thing when she sees it.
James: I like being bus w***er
HIS character’s infamous “bus w***ers” quote is one I’ve heard time and time again over the years.
But Inbetweeners actor James Buckley has admitted fans shout it at him so much, he and his wife Claire Meek have stopped using public transport because of how embarrassing it is.
James explained on Alan Carr’s Life’s A Beach podcast: “I can’t get on a bus any more.
“It’s a shame, really. How many times today has it been? Half a dozen.
“It’s every day.
“One that was quite funny, me and Claire were jumping off the train on to the platform and someone walked right past me, and got right up close, and said, ‘Train w***ers’ and kept walking.
“It was like a drive-by, so smooth. I don’t know if it makes me look bad that I still find it funny, but I was cracking up laughing. I need to grow up.”
Never grow up, James. And wear your bus w***er badge with pride.
Stormzy to rev up F1 circuit
STORMZY is to play at Silverstone to celebrate the British Grand Prix next July, along with Pete Tong and Rudimentall.
The Firebabe rapper will perform on Friday night at the iconic Northamptonshire F1 circuit’s four-day festival.
He will play an extended set which will include some of his biggest hits, say organisers.
It comes after Calvin Harris took to the stage at the race track this summer to mark this year’s big race in the F1 calandar.
I was invited to watch as Calvin, Tom Grennan, Cat Burns and Jess Glynne performed at Silverstone’s expanded music arena – and it was absolutely amazing.
Organisers have played a blinder by getting Stormzy on board.
Harry met Mrs Bright
FOR a man who likes to go incognito when he’s out and about in London, I think Harry Styles needs to have a word with his missus.
The As It Was singer stuck out like a sore thumb thanks to Taylor Russell’s Belisha-beacon coloured coat as they went to grab a coffee in Newington Green, North London.
The couple, who started dating in June, held hands as they strolled through the capital, with passers-by doing double takes as they walked past.
Former One Direction star Harry has been spending more time in London after Canadian actress Taylor started work on a new play here.
He was in the audience of The Effect at London’s National Theatre last month before going as her date to the after-party.
Harry has not long finished his mammoth two-year Love On Tour gigs, which saw him playing to millions of fans across the globe.
I’m glad to see he’s finally able to kick back for a bit.
Surely he can find the time to get Taylor a new coat?
Get set to bag some Alicia teas
KYLIE MINOGUE has her wines, Kendall Jenner her tequila – and now Alicia Keys is bringing out a range of teas.
And before you ask, yes, she is calling the brews Alicia Teas. Genius.
The Girl On Fire singer has filed a trademark in the US for her cuppa company, with insiders revealing the project could get off the ground by as early as next year.
It seems Alicia could have been inspired by a present from her boyfriend Swizz Beatz in 2020.
For her 40th birthday, the music producer gave Alicia teas named after her, which were due to be rolled out in Starbucks but never made it that far.
I’m a Yorkshire Tea man myself, but I’ll have a sip of Alicia’s and let you know what I think.
Sudeikis stumps up for kids
TED Lasso actor Jason Sudeikis has finally settled his bitter custody battle with his ex-wife Olivia Wilde.
The pair have been locked in a rather ugly dispute which saw Don’t Worry Darling director Olivia served with custody papers on stage at a public event in April 2022.
Yet new paperwork has revealed how Jason has agreed to pay £22,000 a month in child support to Olivia for their two kids.
Jason is reported to have made more than £8.5million in 2022 and Olivia £400,000.
The pair have lately been seen putting on a united front for the sake of their children and, remarkably, seem to have turned things around.
If only everyone could behave like proper, thoughtful adults.
I’m thinking of you, Joe Jonas.
I’M not surprised Katya Jones has such a big smile on her face.
The Strictly Come Dancing pro is paired with ex-EastEnders actor Nigel Harman on the BBC1 dancing show and the pair topped the leaderboard on Saturday night with a pretty decent pasodoble.
Katya was the life and soul of the party as she hung out with celebs including boxer Derek Chisora at the Radiant Resilience exhibition at the Quantus Gallery in Shoreditch, East London, ahead of her first live dance with Nigel.
I reckon Katya knew she was on to a winner with her dance partner.
I’m off to the bookies.