Meghan gives new tension to King Charles as bombshell interview confirmed
Meghan Markle might send shockwaves across the UK as her new interview was announced amid King Charles and Prince Harry’s secret peace deal.
On August 26, the Duchess of Sussex will join Emily Chang to discuss her life and journey as an entrepreneur.
The American journalist took to her official Instagram page to reveal her next special guest on her show, The Circuit.
Emily also released delightful photos with Meghan, showcasing the two ladies holding coffee and talking.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were seen wearing a beautiful, bright yellow dress with her signature style makeup.
Emily captioned her post, “My next guest on The Circuit: Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. Our conversation about life and business beyond the royal spotlight drops Tuesday on Bloomberg.com and YouTube at 4 a.m. ET, 9 am London time.”
It has been noted that Meghan may recall her time in the royal family, as she emphasised reclaiming her voice after a difficult phase of her life in recent interviews.
Netizens were sure that the Duchess of Sussex was taking a dig at the royal family when she asked people to “tell the truth” during her appearance on Emma Grede’s podcast, Aspire.
The show’s host asked the Duchess about the public narrative about her and if she would like to change it.
To which, Meghan said, “Yes. I would ask people to tell the truth,” which could be a reference to her life eight years ago as a royal.
Moreover, the royal fans still remembered Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, which was one of the main reasons for estrangement between the Sussexes and the royal family.
It will be interesting to see what new bombshells the Duchess of Sussex will drop in the upcoming interview, causing more distress to cancer-stricken King Charles.
South Korea’s Busan International Film Festival has unveiled the 14 titles selected for its inaugural competition section, ten of which are world premieres.
The world premieres include four titles from Korea and two from Japan, along with Chinese director Zhang Lu’s Gloaming In Luomu; Sri Lankan director Vimukthi Jayasundara’s sci-fi feature Spying Stars, Iranian filmmaker Hassan Nazer’s Without Permission and Isabelle Kalandar’s Another Birth, co-produced by Tajikistan, US and Qatar (see full line-up below).
The four films in competition that are not world premieres – Shu Qi’s Girl, Tsou Shih-ching’s Left-Handed Girl, Bi Gan’s Resurrection and Sho Miyake’s Two Seasons, Two Strangers – all premiered in either Cannes, Locarno or Venice, with the latter film taking the Golden Leopard in Locarno.
In total, the festival will screen 241 films from 64 countries, including 90 world premieres. As previously announced, Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice has been selected as the opening film fresh from its premiere in Venice competition.
Four films will screen in Gala Presentations – Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein, Byun Sung-hyun’s Good News, Jafar Panahi’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner It Was Just An Accident and Lee Sang-il’s Cannes Directors Fortnight title and recent Japanese box office hit Kokuho.
Also as previously announced, Panahi is the recipient of this year’s Asian Filmmaker of the Year. This year’s Korean Cinema Award will be presented to director Chung Jiyoung. Taiwan’s Sylvia Chang will be presented with the Camellia Award, while Marco Bellochio will receive the BIFF Cinema Master Honorary Award.
Special Programs include ‘Defining Moments Of Asian Cinema’, in which nine master filmmakers and actors will introduce ten landmark works to audiences; retrospectives of the work of Italian director Marco Bellocchio and French actress and director Juliette Binoche; ‘A Little History Of Our Own, Take Care Of Our Future’, featuring five emerging Korean female filmmakers each selecting a classic Korean film that has influenced their vision; and ‘Carte Blanche’ inviting leading figures from cinema and culture to present a favourite film and engage in discussion with the audience.
BIFF is taking place September 17-26 across seven theatres and 31 screenings in the city of Busan.
More to come…
BIFF 2025 COMPETITION TITLES:
Another Birth, dir: Isabelle Kalandar (Tajikistan, US, Qatar) WP
Baka’s Identity, dir: Koto Nagata (Japan) WP
By Another Name, dir: Lee Jeahan (Korea) WP
En Route To, dir: Yoo Jaein (Korea) WP
Funky Freaky Freaks, dir: Han Chang-lok (Korea) WP
Girl, dir: Shu Qi (Taiwan)
Gloaming In Luomu, dir: Zhang Lu (China) WP
Leave The Cat Alone, dir: Shigaya Daisuke (Japan) WP
Left-Handed Girl, dir: Tsou Shih-ching (Taiwan, France, US, UK)
Resurrection, dir: Bi Gan (China, France)
Seven O’Clock Breakfast Club For The Brokenhearted, dir: Lim Sun-ae (Korea) WP
Spying Stars, dir: Vimukthi Jayasundara (France, Sri Lanka, India) WP
Two Seasons, Two Strangers, dir: Sho Miyake (Japan)
Without Permission, dir: Hassan Nazer (Iran, UK) WP
Californian sunsets, perfectly decorated cakes, and lessons in how to make salt and vinegar crisps.
That’s right – With Love, Meghan, is back.
Series two of the TV series, which drops on Netflix on Tuesday, was once again filmed in a house close to the Duchess of Sussex’s home in Montecito.
Celebrity friends such as Chrissy Teigan and John Legend pop by for food.
And we get a glimpse into what Meghan’s family life is like, although the Duke of Sussex, and their children Archie and Lilibet, do not appear in it themselves.
Take mornings, for example.
In one episode, Meghan reveals she makes hot breakfast for her family most days.
“It’s not as complicated as people think it is,” she says. “It feels like a big undertaking but you’re just slicing bread, you’re dunking it in some eggs, and calling it a day.”
When questioned on this by her guest, Queer Eye’s Tan France, she elaborates on what she likes to cook.
“Fried eggs and pancakes, but I like to do surprise pancakes for the kids, so I always put some ground flax seeds, pour some chia seeds in. And Lili will ask me, ‘Can I have chia seeds? I want it to have freckles’,” she says.
“The ritual of breakfast is a sacred time as a family,” she adds. “You just take a minute of calm before the day.”
If that’s nothing like what your mornings resemble, don’t worry.
Many of us are lucky if we find time to scoff down some cereal before work. But the whole point of Meghan’s series is that it’s aspirational.
It’s optimistic. And it’s relentlessly upbeat, throughout all of its episodes.
Harry said ‘I love you’ first
Like the first instalment, series two sees Meghan share cooking, gardening and hosting tips with friends and famous guests.
Nuggets about her life, love and interests are scattered throughout.
We hear that as an aspiring actress, Meghan – who went on to star in Suits – used to get so nervous from auditions she would get blotchy and have to wear turtlenecks. When an audition went well, she would treat herself with a McDonald’s apple pie.
She knew she loved Harry by date three, when the pair were camping in Botswana. He said ‘I love you’ first.
They eat a lot of roast chicken. But Harry’s less adventurous palate also gets a mention.
When cooking a meal with chef José Andrés, Meghan reveals that her husband doesn’t like lobster.
“No way,” says Andrés. “And you married him?”
But the show is as much about what’s not in it, as what is.
The Royal Family don’t get a mention, nor is there any discussion of the rift within it. Earlier this year, Harry gave an emotional interview to BBC News in which he said he “would love a reconciliation” with his family, but none of that is on display here.
In fact, Harry doesn’t appear on camera at all in the series.
Nor do their children. The couple continue to protect Archie and Lilibet’s privacy, while also presenting their lifestyle.
There are no references to their former lives as a working royals.
We do, however, learn what Meghan misses most about the UK. The answer? Magic Radio.
“Sorry to say this to you publicly but that’s such a grandma station,” says Tan France.
“I’ll be that grandma,” replies Meghan.
Meghan’s new lifestyle empire
Netflix
Meghan’s TV series features a number of celebrity guests, including model Chrissy Teigen
With Love, Meghan, has widely been seen as the Duchess’ relaunch, as she builds her new lifestyle empire.
Despite it being the tenth most watched Netflix programme globally in its first week, audiences gave the first series a rating of just 32% on the film and television review website, Rotten Tomatoes (based on more than 2,500 votes).
Reviews were mixed. The Guardian described it as a “gormless lifestyle filler” while The Telegraph gave it two stars and branded it “insane” and an “exercise in narcissism”.
However, the BBC’s royal correspondent Sean Coughlan wrote that it was about “escapism”, adding: “It’s a glass of something sparkling on a grey day.”
The TV show was followed by the launch of Meghan’s new brand As Ever, selling, among other things, edible flower petals and jars of wildflower honey.
Next up came her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder.
And earlier this month, Prince Harry and Meghan signed a new multi-year deal for films and TV shows with Netflix.
It’s a looser arrangement than their previous deal – but it disproves claims that the Sussexes and Netflix are going to completely part company.
Royal expert Victoria Murphy says that for Meghan personally, her TV show is “very important… in terms of how she wants to be seen and the kind of public presence that she wants to have moving forward”.
And, as with everything Meghan does, reactions to part two of her series are likely to be mixed.
If you don’t like Meghan, you’re probably not going to like this.
Most recently General Manager at Soneva Fushi, Maldives, Gerhard Stutz led the property to its highest-ever guest and employee satisfaction scores. Under his leadership, Soneva Fushi was included in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024. His background also includes 14 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in senior leadership roles across Beverly Hills, Amman, New York, and Singapore, as well as extensive F&B experience in Michelin- and Gault Millau-awarded restaurants.
Image credit: Melanie Hoefler
Sirru Fen Fushi, located in the pristine Shaviyani Atoll, is known for its 360-degree barefoot luxury experience, featuring spacious villas, immersive wellness programming, and one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. The resort’s commitment to sustainability, bespoke dining, and marine conservation makes it a natural fit for Stutz, whose leadership at eco-conscious luxury properties has consistently delivered elevated guest experiences and award-winning recognition.
“Sirru Fen Fushi embodies everything I value in a resort: unspoiled nature, meaningful guest connections, and a strong sustainability ethos,” said Stutz. “I’m excited to work with the team to enhance the resort’s positioning, drive operational excellence, and deliver experiences that resonate with today’s discerning traveller.”
The appointment signals a new chapter for the resort, as it continues to evolve its guest offering and sustainability platform under seasoned leadership.
Jared Padalecki has revealed new details about his upcoming guest role in the fifth and final season of The Boys, confirming that he will share a scene with former Supernatural co-star Jensen Ackles. Padalecki made the comments during a panel at Fan Expo Boston, as reported by Collider.
Padalecki, who played Sam Winchester across all 15 seasons of Supernatural alongside Ackles’ Dean Winchester, said his character in The Boys will appear in the fifth episode of the season. He noted that Prime Video plans to release the first four episodes before a short break, followed by the remaining four episodes.
“I’ll say this much — my character is very excited to meet Soldier Boy,” Padalecki told the audience, referencing Ackles’ role as the original American supe introduced in season 3. He also cautioned younger viewers not to tune in, adding, “For those who are not yet 18, do not watch it.”
While details about Padalecki’s role remain under wraps, his comments suggest that his character may bring the kind of provocative or violent content for which The Boys is known. The actor’s remarks also hint at a storyline that continues the series’ reputation for pushing boundaries.
In addition to Padalecki, fellow Supernatural alum Misha Collins has joined the cast of the final season, leading to speculation that the show may include playful nods to their long-running series.
The reunion has generated significant excitement among fans of both shows, given the cultural impact of Supernatural and the popularity of The Boys since its debut on Prime Video in 2019. With Padalecki’s character set to meet Soldier Boy midway through the season, viewers will have to wait until episode five for the highly anticipated on-screen reunion.
Pakistan’ is going to be getting a brand way platform to showcase its talent as Pixel Entertainment has announced that it has signed a deal with global entertainment giant Fremantle to bring the world’s most successful reality show format, Got Talent, to the country for the very first time.
The franchise, originally created by Simon Cowell and owned by Fremantle, has aired in more than 70 countries and even holds the Guinness World Record for the most successful reality TV format in history. Now, it’s Pakistan’s turn to put its talent on the global stage with Pakistan’s Got Talent.
The show promises to be a wide-open platform, welcoming singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, acrobats, beatboxers and just about anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to wow an audience. Nationwide open auditions are set to kick off soon, giving performers from every corner of the country a shot at recognition.
This news comes hot on the heels of another big television revival — the announcement that Pakistan Idol is making a comeback. MHL Global recently secured the rights to the show from Fremantle, setting the stage for another round of reality TV nostalgia and new talent discovery.
With both Pakistan Idol and Pakistan’s Got Talent in the pipeline, the local entertainment scene looks set for a much-needed shakeup.
The franchises might just serve as a stepping stone for talent begging to be found. If executed well, they could open doors, diversify what we see on TV, and maybe even set new benchmarks for the industry.
Margot Robbie’s baby steals the show in adorable interview moment
Margot Robbie’s 10-month-old baby boy made a memorable appearance during an interview with Access Hollywood, where he inadvertently stole the spotlight with his loud babbling.
The actress, who welcomed her first child with husband Tom Ackerley in October 2024, couldn’t help but laugh at her baby’s antics.
As Robbie discussed her upcoming film “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” with co-star Colin Farrell, her baby’s cries interrupted the conversation.
“I’m so sorry about that… how loud my baby is,” Robbie apologised, while Farrell chimed in with a grin, “It’s a great soundtrack, isn’t it?” The heartwarming moment showcased Robbie’s balancing act between motherhood and her career.
In a rare interview with Entertainment Tonight, Robbie opened up about her experience as a new mother. “It’s funny, you try to explain to someone who has kids, you don’t need to because they get it,” she said.
“And if they don’t, it’s probably just really boring to hear. It’s the best.” This sentiment was echoed by Farrell, who reflected on how parenthood has profoundly shifted his perspective on life.
The Barbie star’s film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is set to premiere on September 19, where she stars alongside Colin Farrell.
The romantic drama follows two strangers who meet at a wedding and embark on a surreal journey, revisiting key moments from their past.
Robbie expressed her excitement about the project, calling it a “visual spectacle” and praising director Kogonada as a “true artist.”
Snoop Dogg should be sent to the doghouse, and nowhere near the 2025 AFL Grand Final.
That’s the substance of a message from Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who used a Senate address to call for Snoop’s removal from Australian rules football’s showpiece event, where he has been booked for the pre-game entertainment.
The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper was confirmed last month as the headline act for the pre-game entertainment at the AFL final, to be staged Sept. 27 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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Snoop, whose booking follows in the footsteps of Ed Sheeran, Sting, The Killers, Lionel Richie, Tom Jones, Meat Loaf and homegrown rockers Powderfinger, was presented by the AFL as a coup, with CEO Andrew Dillon describing the hip-hop veteran as “a pioneer, a performer, and a true entertainer” who would help deliver “an unforgettable celebration of footy.”
Hanson-Young, however, isn’t hot on the idea.
The Adelaide-based politician used the platform of her speech — and a post from her Instagram account — to brand Snoop a “slur merchant” and questioned why the Australian Football League would pay millions to acquire international talent “rather than backing Aussie talent”.
“The AFL has decided, rather than putting on an Australian artist, they’re gonna pay $2 million to play at the Grand Final,” remarked Hanson-Young, a vocal supporter of the nation’s music community.
“The AFL is a cultural institution,” she remarked. And cultural institutions should back Australia’s musicians and creative arts community, she continued.
Speaking in the Senate, Hanson-Young called out the “irony” of Snoop getting the red carpet treatment, while Adelaide Crows forward Izak Rankine received a four-week suspension for making a homophobic slur on the pitch.
“The irony is not lost on many of us that while Izak Rankine gets dumped, Snoop Dogg gets $2 million to play his misogynistic, homophobic music on our turf,” Hanson-Young continued. While not focusing on any specific lyrics from Snoop’s hundreds of songs, her comments closely follow Snoop’s remarks in a podcast, in which he expressed discomfort at explaining a same-sex relationship depicted in an animated movie to his grandson.
At a time when Australian artists are struggling to be seen and heard, proof of which can be seen on the weekly ARIA Charts, the Senator called out the AFL for missing an opportunity to support locals. “We need investment in Australian and Aussie talent. We need investment in our music industry, and we need to say that if it’s an Aussie game, it’s an Aussie artist playing,” she declared.
And to the AFL, “have the guts to rethink this decision.”
It’s not the first time Snoop has caught the ire of foreign decision-makers. In 2006, the rapper was involved in a fracas at London’s Heathrow Airport, during which seven police officers received minor injuries. On that occasion, Snoop and five other men were arrested on charges of violent disorder and starting a brawl, and spent the night in jail. The artist was subsequently banned from the country for four years.
As his U.K. ban was lifted in 2010, Snoop found himself on the outside in the Netherlands, where authorities had him removed from the lineup of a free concert, Parkpop festival, when the mayor and law enforcement officials asked its organizers could secure a performer of more “open and friendly character.” Earlier, in 2001, Snoop raised eyebrows when he presented “Doggystyle,” a feature-length adult video featuring his own music.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has defended the decision to book Snoop Dogg, noting the league hadn’t scrutinized all his lyrics and reiterated that the entertainment spot at the final would be a family-friendly spectacle.
“It is also important to remember that we engaged Snoop Dogg in 2025 as the person he is today,” Dillon said. “He has spoken publicly about his past, he has changed, and today he is a grandfather, philanthropist, he helps rehabilitate youth and is a global entertainer who has performed at both the Super Bowl and the Olympic Closing Ceremony.”
Snoop has an Australian connection. In 2021, he struck an exclusive, five-year touring deal with TEG MJR, the U.K.-based promotion arm of Australian live entertainment, ticketing and tech giant TEG.
Renee Graziano steps out on red carpet after major transformation
Renee Graziano, best known for her role on Mob Wives, unveiled her dramatic weight loss transformation on Monday, following her use of the Hollywood-favored medication Mounjaro.
The 57-year-old reality star was photographed at the AMC Magic Johnson Harlem theater for the premiere of the film Run, turning heads in a red dress paired with silver heels.
Wearing her signature jet-black hair down and accessorized with hoop earrings, Graziano showcased her slimmed-down figure.
According to The Daily Mail, Graziano, the daughter of the late Bonanno crime family consigliere Anthony Graziano, is the latest public figure to credit the medication for her transformation.
The reality star has been candid about her journey, previously revealing in May that she had shed 52 pounds.
While sharing updates with fans on Instagram, she said, “I love sharing my weight-loss journey with y’all because truthfully, I’ve been so hard on myself behind the scenes… when I see photos that show the real, visible change—my clear eyes and genuine smile—I have to share. I want everyone to know if I can do it, you can do it!”
Graziano explained that her results came from a combination of weekly Mounjaro shots, supplements, therapy sessions, and emotional work—without turning to plastic surgery.
Moreover, she added, “Although I do believe whatever makes you happy and doesn’t jeopardize your life, do it!” admitting she still uses “a little Botox” and “a touch of lip filler.”
Additionally, her health journey came after years of personal struggle. Graziano has been open about her battles with substance abuse, including a near-fatal fentanyl overdose in 2023 that left her in rehab and forced her to relearn how to walk, as per the outlet.
She now credits sobriety and self-care for not just her physical transformation but also a renewed sense of confidence.
In this regard, she wrote to her followers, “The substantial amount of weight that I have lost really has made me feel and look younger than I have in a long time. My mind is clear, my body has transformed, and more importantly, so has my confidence.”
O2 is to sponsor the Live Music Inspiration category at the Women In Music Awards 2025.
This year’s edition of the hugely popular daytime ceremony will take place on Friday, October 10 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.
Table bookings are open here – and they are selling fast, so don’t miss out.
The Women In Music Awards, organised in association with AIM and UK Music, celebrates the achievements of incredible women and female-identifying professionals in the music business – from game-changing executives to extraordinary artists, campaigners and beyond.
Last year the Live Music Inspiration category was won by Emma Bownes, SVP, venue programming at AEG Europe.
From artists and agents to promoters, tour managers, and publicists, women shape the live music experience at every level
Jayd Williams
“Live music is in our DNA at O2,” said Jayd Williams, head of music partnerships and sponsorship at Virgin Media O2. “We sponsor 20 venues across the UK and sell over 1.5 million tickets each year through Priority, it’s something our customers love and something we’re deeply committed to supporting.
“The UK’s live music scene is world-class, thanks to the passion, energy and skill of the people behind it – many of them brilliant women. From artists and agents to promoters, tour managers, and publicists, women shape the live music experience at every level. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to sponsor the Live Music Inspiration category at this year’s Women in Music Awards, and to celebrate the talent and impact of women across the industry.”
For questions about table bookings contact Kate Smith at kate.smith@futurenet.com
For more information on Music Week Event sponsorship opportunities please contact Lawrence Cook at lawrence.cooke@futurenet.com
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