Birmingham Showbiz Latest News and Updates

Jem Aswad Executive Editor, Music R&B ace Maxwell has announced “The Serenade 2024” North American Tour, which will see him joined by two special guests: two-time Grammy winner Jazmine Sullivan and rising singer-songwriter October London. Full dates appear below.

Congratulations are in order for Ben Shephard and his wife Annie Perks, who are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary on Monday, 25 March. As the new co-host of This Morning alongside Cat Deeley, 49 year old Ben is a well-known face on TV, but many of us don't know much about his personal life – including his relationship with Annie.The TV presenter met his wife when he was a student at the University of Birmingham, and they've been married for two decades, reports the Mirror.

A mum-of-six has been caught out in a shocking benefits scam, lying about her boyfriend living with her to swindle more than £85,000. Emma Buck, who lives in Bournville, dishonestly claimed income support, housing benefit and child tax credits for three years.

A mum-of-six swindled more than £85,000 in benefits by lying about her boyfriend living with her. Emma Buck pocketed income support, housing benefit and child tax credits for three years after claiming she had separated from her partner, BirminghamLive reports.

A mum who kicked a police dog in the neck because it was biting her son's leg 'reacted like any other mother', a court heard. Lauren Hatch lashed out after being woken up by a commotion at her home, BirminghamLive reports.

Cat Burns has announced details of her debut album ‘Early Twenties’, as well as new UK and European tour dates. Find ticket details below.The multi-BRIT-nominated artist from South London has shared details of her first studio album, which is set to arrive on 12 July via Since ’93/Sony RCA.It comes following the release of her latest single ‘Alone’, which was co-written and produced by award-winning British producer Steve Mac (Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Charli XCX).“‘Early Twenties’ is my love letter to this period of time in my life,” Burns said of the new announcement in a press release.“It’s my attempt at showcasing the highs and lows of being in your early twenties.

Melanie Martinez has announced a UK and European arena tour for later this year – find all the details below.The New York singer-songwriter is due to bring ‘The Trilogy Tour’ to these shores in the autumn when she’ll play headline shows in Dublin (September 18), Birmingham (20), Manchester (21), Glasgow (23), Cardiff (24) and London (26).Martinez will then head to Europe for concerts in Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Lyon, Barcelona, Madrid, Cologne, Frankfurt and other locations throughout October.Tickets go on general sale at 10am GMT/11am CET next Thursday (March 28), except Barcelona and Madrid, which go on sale at the same time on Wednesday (27). Fans who sign up to Martinez’s mailing list can access a pre-sale on Monday (25).You’ll be able to purchase tickets here (UK and Ireland) and here (Europe).“Putting my all into this show, can’t wait to share this experience with you,” Martinez wrote on social media while announcing the upcoming dates.Elita will appear as the support act for the entire UK and European leg, with Men I Trust joining for the London and European dates only.

What’s next for Cillian Murphy after his award-winning performance in “Oppenheimer“? How about returning to his most iconic role before playing the nuclear physicist? Deadline reports that Murphy will reprise his role from the BBC/Netflix series “Peaky Blinders” for Steven Knight‘s upcoming follow-up film. “He definitely is returning for it,” Knight told Birmingham World about Murphy’s involvement.

Cillian Murphy is reportedly set to reprise his role as the Irish-Romani gang leader in a “Peaky Blinders” movie, according to Steven Knight, who created the hit British crime drama. “He definitely is returning for it,” Knight, 64, told Birmingham World of Murphy, 47, at the premiere of “The Town,” his new drama series for BBC. “We’re shooting it in September just down the road in Digbeth [England].”The Post has contacted reps for Murphy for comment.

The Peaky Blinders movie is happening, and a big star is returning!

What’s next for Cillian Murphy after his award-winning performance in “Oppenheimer“? How about returning to his most iconic role before playing the nuclear physicist? Deadline reports that Murphy will reprise his role from the BBC/Netflix series “Peaky Blinders” for Steven Knight‘s upcoming follow-up film. “He definitely is returning for it,” Knight told Birmingham World about Murphy’s involvement.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director It looks like we haven’t seen the last of gangster Tommy Shelby after all. Speaking to Birmingham World at the premiere of his new BBC drama “The Town,” “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight confirmed that recent Oscar winner Cillian Murphy will be reprising his beloved role in the upcoming film version of the British crime drama. Knight said Murphy is “definitely” coming back, and filming on the “Peaky Blinders” movie kicks off this September.

Sharon Stone has made a critical comment about Johnny Depp’s artwork in a recent interview.The Basic Instinct star, who switched her focus from acting to art during the COVID lockdown, has just opened her own exhibition in Berlin, and is due to open another in San Francisco in April.In explaining her road to success to The Guardian, she made comments referring to an art collection created by Depp, which sold for more than $3.6million within hours.The collection, titled Friends And Heroes, featured portraits of individuals who inspired the actor: Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, Al Pacino and Elizabeth Taylor.According to Business Insider, Depp sold all 780 pieces within hours of his announcement that the art would be on sale at Castle Fine Art’s 37 gallery in Birmingham, England.Stone however, didn’t seem to be quite so enamoured with the portraits, saying: “Johnny Depp is printing pictures of people, putting some paint over it and signing it, and making a fortune.”Depp followed up the original collection with some more prints in 2023, which featured other famous faces including Bob Marley, Heath Ledger and River Phoenix.Seemingly referring to Depp’s recent sale of his self-portrait, in which he donated $200 from every sale to Mental Health America, Stone shared that she had received similar requests from galleries.“I had galleries approach me and say, ‘Could you please make prints of your face?’ I think it’s my duty not to do that,” she said.

Police were called to a protest outside a restaurant in Prestwich last night as Katie Hopkins made an appearance.

Megan Thee Stallion has announced she's embarking on a world tour and will appear in Glasgow this year.

Cat Deeley has taken her role of This Morning host in her stride, delighting viewers with her upbeat attitude and bubbly personality alongside Ben Shephard. But away from TV, Cat has dealt with some heartbreaking moments including her "biggest wedding regret".

Megan Thee Stallion has announced UK, European and North American dates for her ‘Hot Girl Summer’ 2024 tour.Stallion’s tour will consist of 32 dates across North America, Europe and the UK set for the spring and summer. The first show will kick off at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Scores of pensioners across the country are facing "massive delays" in getting essential welfare payments that help top-up their regular pension, sparking a debate in parliament this week.

Deep Purple have announced details of a new arena tour, set to take place across the UK later this year. Find ticket details below.Called the ‘One More Time’ tour, the dates comprise five shows across the country, and will see Ian Gillan and co.

The Libertines have added some new dates to their 2024 UK and Ireland headline tour – find all the details below.The band are due to hit the road this autumn in support of their fourth album ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’, which is due for release on April 5.Yesterday (March 18), The Libertines announced four extra shows for the run: Lincoln’s Engine Shed on November 17, Stockton Globe on November 18, The Forum in Bath on November 20, and the O2 Academy in Bournemouth on November 21.“A few more dates added for you thirsty lot,” the group wrote alongside an updated tour poster on social media.Tickets for the new dates go on general sale at 9am GMT this Friday (March 22) – you’ll be able to buy yours here.

American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars have been forced to reschedule a number of UK and Europe gigs planned for this summer - including a show at Manchester’s AO Arena that was set for next month.

Black Sabbath performed their first gig has secured listed status, following fears it may be knocked down.The Crown venue, also regarded by some as the “birthplace of heavy metal” was one of the buildings at risk on Station Street. It is based on the same street as the Electric – the UK’s oldest working cinema which was shut down last week.Now, it has been listed as Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England, helping to secure its future on the street.The iconic space has been empty for 10 years now, and initially, Birmingham Open Media had planned to buy and restore the pub.

Shed Seven have announced a 30th anniversary UK tour, set to kick off later this year with The Sherlocks as a special guest.The band – comprised of Rick Witter, Paul Banks, Tom Gladwin, Tim Wills and Rob Maxfield – will start their 23-date-tour at the Sheffield Octagon on November 14. From there, they will make stops in Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Margate, Bristol, Newcastle, Leeds, Oxford, Manchester, Birmingham, Cambridge, Bournemouth and Nottingham.

BAFTA-nominated Irish actor Robert Sheehan (The Umbrella Academy) has signed on to lead a stage adaptation of Bruce Robinson’s 1987 cult tragi-comedy Withnail and I at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre alongside actors Adonis Siddique and Malcolm Sinclair. 

Martin Lewis is warning Brits to stock up on a household staple before in the next two weeks.

TV chef James Martin has revealed what food helped him shed three stone.

Colson Smith, who is famous for playing the role of Craig Tinker on Coronation Street, has revealed his 10 stone weight loss secrets while in the Celebrity Big Brother house.The soap star opened up to celebs like Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, about how he struggled with losing weight before making certain changes to his diet. During one episode of the reality TV show, Colson, 25, shared that when he was 18 years old he followed a really strict diet which wasn't successful at all.

Stacey Dooley is always popping up on our TV screens, and she's back tonight (Sunday, 17 March) for series two of Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over USA.The series sees the presenter and journalist, 37, meet extraordinary people as she stays in their homes to lift the lid on their unconventional lifestyles. The TV star first shot to fame for her documentaries on important issues for the BBC, reports Birmingham Live. Back in 2008, Stacey fronted a documentary called 'Blood, Sweat and T-shirts' where she and others went to India to see how clothes are made.Ten years later in 2018, her following grew even further when she took part in Strictly Come Dancing.

Whether you're flying short haul to Europe or are crossing the Atlantic on your travels this summer, it is worth checking the fine print on your booking before packing your suitcases, or risk facing some serious fines at the airport. EasyJet is known for its cheap flights, but the cost starts to add up if you have to pay the airline's £48 baggage charge at the airport, if you break the carry-on rules.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Black Sabbath first wailed on their guitars in public — has been designated an important historic building after 15,000 people signed a petition calling for the building and surrounds to be saved from redevelopment. Birmingham, England’s scruffy second city, may not get much attention from outside the country, but the brawling industrial burg changed rock music forever in the 1970s when the likes of Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest and Ozzy & Co.