Gordon Ramsay will film new series of ITV’s Road Trip with Fred Siriex and Gino D’Acampo despite ‘too busy’ claims
TELLY chef Gordon Ramsay has been a busy boy, with filming of the second series of BBC1’s Future Food Stars starting this month and work underway on the ITV version of his US show, Next Level Chef.
But I can reveal he hasn’t neglected his old chums Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix because he will be joining them on more of their hilarious Road Trips next year.
It will come as a relief for fans who were floored by a joke message on social media earlier this year when naughty Gino claimed Gordon was too busy to go on any more of their jaunts on the ITV show.
A TV insider said: “He is something of a victim of his own success at the moment, and he has so much on it’s tricky fitting it all in.
“He already has something of a logistical conundrum co-ordinating his diary with the busy Fred and Gino, and that’s before they try to set up a string of filming locations — which have yet to be decided.
“But they are determined to hit the road again as soon as possible and deliver the new show as planned.”
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The Road Trips have developed quite a following since they started five years ago with a Christmas special. It was followed by three series, in 2018, 2020 and 2021.
Last year’s series, in which the trio explored all things Greek, was due to continue into Egypt, but was cut short by Covid restrictions.
However we won’t be without Gordon for long, as Future Food Stars and Next Level Chef will probably be on TV early next year.
I’m sure in-demand Fred and Gino won’t be twiddling their thumbs until then though.
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Kova girl Nadiya
STRICTLY’S Nadiya Bychkova wrapped up the BBC1 show’s nationwide live tour early this month.
But judging by this picture, nothing can keep her away from the ballroom glitz and glamour.
Nadiya’s new boyfriend – fellow pro Kai Widdrington – was quick to show his appreciation for her look and showered the lovely post with a flame emoji and a heart on Instagram.
And who can really blame him?
Star trio in Ripper ITV epic
IT already boasts a stellar cast, but now Yorkshire Ripper drama The Longest Shadow has signed another trio of big names.
I can reveal that the detectives in the upcoming ITV thriller will include Line of Duty star Lee Ingleby, Detectorist funnyman Toby Jones and ex-Wild at Heart actor Stephen Tompkinson.
The news comes after I revealed the show’s line-up would also include Katherine Kelly, Daniel Mays and David Morrissey.
The drama, currently being filmed in Leeds, aims to explore the wider effects of the Ripper’s reign of terror, which had hundreds of victims directly and indirectly.
That is why The Longest Shadow has such a vast cast, and I’m sure they will be joined by more household names further down the line.
Larkin about’s ok – Jo
AS Ma Larkin on ITV’s The Larkins, she isn’t afraid of a bit of rumpy pumpy with saucy hubby, Pop.
And unlike many other actors, Joanna Scanlan has no qualms about stripping off if the role demands it.
She told the latest Out To Lunch podcast: “As an actor I have to use everything I’ve got – and one of those is my naked form . . . if and when it’s usefully deployed.
“I don’t want people to look at me and think: ‘oh, she’s just a fat old cow!’ I don’t really want that. I’m prepared to do it in certain situations.
“But I do at some level probably want to say ‘F*** you!’ to anybody who judges other people on their looks.”
Probably best Joanna doesn’t apply for Love Island then.
Love My Face
CHANNEL 4 are making A four part show called Love My Face, which will be led by disability campaigner Jono Lancaster.
It will follow people with a range of visible facial differences as they seek support, advice and explore transformative treatments to help accept or address their differences.
New way to watch Cartman
TELLY fans are already spoilt for choice, with more programmes and channels to watch than ever before.
But that’s not stopped a new platform called Paramount+, which launches today.
Offerings will range from the Star Trek franchise and Cartman and pals’ antics in South Park to a prequel based on Brit film Sexy Beast.
Chief content officer Ben Frow said: “The demand for content at the moment is absolutely huge. Content has never been more king. We have our founder to thank for that phrase, and I really do believe it all comes back to content.”
And there’s more good news for Sky Cinema customers: Paramount+ will be available at no extra cost.
Graham: James has proper job
GRAHAM NORTON might be one of Britain’s busiest TV presenters but he reckons the stint put in by James Corden in the US is beefier.
The chat show legend has been linked to James’s job on The Late Late Show, which he is leaving next year.
But Graham said: “I love going to America. But working there, particularly a job like that, that’s a job. I don’t do a job. I have a lovely time, I do a once-a-week show.
“Whereas that’s like joining the priesthood to do that show five nights a week. That is proper graft.
“I don’t know how James has done it for as long as he has. Well done to him!”
The Graham Norton Show is screened on BBC America – and is a huge success on both sides of the Atlantic.
'Don't explain the joke'
TASKMASTER star and former Great British Sewing Bee host Joe Lycett has revealed how he was questioned by police after a punter took exception to a joke he told during his stand-up show.
He had to explain the context of the gag about a donkey’s manhood.
Cops decided to take no further action.
It’s game over for Diamond
ORIGINAL GamesMaster presenter Dominik Diamond has revealed he was snubbed from the reboot of the show – after having talks with Channel 4 about returning.
The Nineties video game series was revived in 2021 with episodes debuting on E4’s YouTube channel and later on E4.
Recently Sir Trevor McDonald took over from Sir Patrick Moore as the titular GamesMaster.
Asked about the reboot, Dominik said: “I’m not saying there weren’t conversations that happened between me and the producers but obviously those conversations were not fruitful, shall we say.”
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Dominik didn’t watch one particular episode of the reboot because he didn’t want to say anything negative about it – as he is friends with new host Robert Florence.
He said: “I like him a lot and I go way back with him.”