Damian Lewis leads backlash by unpaid cast of Jimmy Carr’s Downton spoof

Damian Lewis leads backlash by unpaid cast of Jimmy Carr's Downton spoof

As a die-hard Beatles fan, it’s truly captivating to see the potential cast for the upcoming Sam Mendes series. The choice of actors seems spot-on, and I can only imagine how they will bring these legendary figures to life on screen.

Tension and criticisms arose on the filming location of mockumentary Fackham Hall, which mirrors Downton Abbey and is penned by comedian Jimmy Carr, featuring Damian Lewis in the cast.

Midway through production, the £5 million film faced a financial breakdown as investors withdrew their support. Consequently, neither the cast nor the crew have received their full compensation to date.

Lewis from Wolf Hall reportedly convened a passionate gathering to ensure everyone received their overdue wages. His fellow actors include Tom Felton from Harry Potter, Thomasin McKenzie, Katherine Waterston, and Anna Maxwell Martin. They are yet to receive four weeks’ worth of pay (out of six), but the outstanding amount is expected to arrive as early as today, with certainty by Christmas.

In my dedication to the project, I’ve chosen to waive any fees associated with it. Similarly, esteemed producer Kris Thykier, who is married to TV sensation Claudia Winkleman, has also decided to defer his compensation. This selfless act is echoed by Danny Perkins and Mila Cottray, both fellow producers, who have made the same commitment.

It’s a rough start in the movie business for Carr. He, Thykier and Winkleman are long-time friends.

According to the source, although it’s been tough, the team has decided to continue their efforts, even with the uncertainties ahead. Rest assured, they will all receive their payments within the coming days.

Deals have now been done with a new financier and distributors.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share that the captivating production of Fackham Hall was brought to life by Two & Two Pictures and Mews Films, a subsidiary of Archery Pictures, masterfully overseen by Thykier. The narrative revolves around Eric Noone, a charming pickpocket portrayed by Ben Radcliffe, who finds himself residing in the grand English manor house of Fackham Hall. He develops a tender affection for Rose Davenport, played by McKenzie, but faces competition from Tom Felton’s character. Lewis, the patriarch of the household, is brilliantly portrayed by Lewis, while Waterston brings to life his wife.

Damian Lewis leads backlash by unpaid cast of Jimmy Carr's Downton spoof

Damian Lewis leads backlash by unpaid cast of Jimmy Carr's Downton spoof
Damian Lewis leads backlash by unpaid cast of Jimmy Carr's Downton spoof

Filming at Fackham Hall began in November and concluded this past Friday. You can expect it to hit theaters next summer.

Upon the announcement of the project, Carr stated: ‘British cinema excels in two areas: historical dramas and comedies. Since we couldn’t write two separate films, we’ve blended these genres. I have a slight concern that if you say Fackham Hall with an upper-class British accent, it might be misunderstood.’

In recent times, several well-known comedies, including Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle, haven’t done well, making the comedy genre more difficult to navigate. Furthermore, due to numerous traditional investors and distributors departing from the British independent film industry, it’s never been harder to get a project off the ground.

Lately, Thykier has been responsible for several notable productions. Among them is the movie “Hijack,” which made its way to Apple’s streaming platform, as well as “Luther: The Fallen Sun,” which garnered significant success on Netflix. Additionally, he was involved in the 2022 film “Operation Mincemeat,” featuring Colin Firth, Matthew MacFadyen, and Kelly Macdonald.

 

Trump won’t force me out, says Domingo 

Ellen DeGeneres left for the United Kingdom following Donald Trump’s victory as U.S. President, however, actor Colman Domingo firmly states that he wouldn’t entertain the idea of emulating such a move.

55-year-old Domingo has a chance at winning an Oscar due to his remarkable acting in the movie “Sing Sing,” where he portrays characters imprisoned in the notorious New York jail, who then form a theater group.

The movie is inspired by a true account of an arts-based rehabilitation program that achieved remarkable success. Several characters portrayed in the film were once inmates themselves.

During my brief trip to London, I managed to meet up with Domingo, and we had an engaging conversation about his efforts to maintain his energy levels in preparation for the extended campaign leading up to the Academy Awards scheduled for March 2nd.

Previously nominated for the Rustin Award, when Paul Giamatti was also an Oscar nominee for The Holdovers, he stated: ‘Paul remains one of my closest friends today. You form a bond like brothers, as there’s no way to truly prepare for the experiences you encounter, and only someone who’s been through it can truly comprehend.’

Damian Lewis leads backlash by unpaid cast of Jimmy Carr's Downton spoof

The nominees for the 2025 Academy Awards will be announced in mid-January.

Regarding leaving the U.S. due to Trump becoming president, Domingo stated: ‘Such a step would imply that because of a change in leadership, I am helpless. Absolutely not! As an artist, I will choose a different path. I’m going to put on my work apron and get busy.’

‘Some individuals find it challenging to exercise such choices due to financial constraints. My aim is to support them, as well as those potentially impacted by future policies. Furthermore, I strive to demonstrate that our shared values outweigh the differences among us.’

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I recently found myself observing a performance at the local theater in Sing Sing. In this production of Hamlet, I watched as Domingo delivered an admirable yet somewhat subpar rendition of the iconic “To be or not to be” soliloquy. Despite his valiant effort, it was evident that a more authentic and youthful performer snatched the role away from him, leaving me reflecting on the unpredictable nature of artistic competition.

In this captivating performance, he pondered over whether the character he played on screen, an aspiring actor, seemed ready for Broadway or was merely a skilled amateur. Essentially, he recognized that the audience desired something less polished – a more genuine, raw talent.

 

Millie’s other great love: Winnie the poodle

Millie Bobby Brown is enjoying her days off during the holiday season, as she’ll be returning to work in London at the start of the New Year.

20-year-old Brown chose not to attend the wrap celebration for the final season of Stranger Things this week, instead opting to travel to New York, her current residence with her husband Jake Bongiovi, who is the offspring of renowned rocker Jon Bon Jovi.

Sources say that she is ‘enjoying a magical year’ as a newlywed, having married in May this year.

She’s set to work on Enola Holmes 3 in London, which will be released on Netflix. Alongside her will be co-actors Henry Cavill and Helena Bonham Carter. Her spouse, Jake, holds an executive producer role for the movie, and it’s anticipated that he will accompany her during this project.

Damian Lewis leads backlash by unpaid cast of Jimmy Carr's Downton spoof

Similarly, her three-year-old poodle named Winnie serves as her therapy dog. She acquired her following a series of panic attacks.

The initial two movies featuring Enola Holmes were successful on Netflix, and the third one is set to be helmed by Philip Barantini. He secured the position due to his ambition to explore a more ominous tone for the series, similar to how Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban darkened the wizarding saga.

 

Lennon brothers give peace a chance 

It’s possible that Julian LENNON faced a health issue related to cancer, but luckily, he can rely on the support of his younger brother during this difficult time.

Yesterday, Julian shared that he underwent an emergency operation due to suspicious growths (one of which was a potential melanoma) on his shoulder and arm. He’s now waiting for the results from a biopsy.

Just prior to that, the 61-year-old posted on social media a picture of himself and his half-brother Sean in New York City. He captioned it: ‘A goodnight kiss for my brother after enjoying an evening together, dining a bit, and talking until late hours at The Dakota. This is not something we get to do very often.’ (Paraphrased)

Sean, aged 49, who’s a musician, resides in an apartment within The Dakota – the renowned building previously inhabited by John and Yoko Ono.

Last year, I shared that she has permanently relocated to an upstate farmhouse due to the pandemic, and this decision remains unchanged.

At 91 years old, she is believed to face health difficulties. In 1980, John was tragically killed outside a building, and Julian, who resided in the UK with his mother Cynthia at the time, was hastily flown via Concorde to convey the devastating news to his half-brother, who was only five years old.

Damian Lewis leads backlash by unpaid cast of Jimmy Carr's Downton spoof

For many decades, the siblings harbored mutual distrust and argued over Lennon’s £250 million inheritance. However, over the last twenty years, they have steadily grown closer to one another. As recent as 2021, they embarked on a shared road trip together.

Julian, once a thriving vocalist in his professional life, currently oversees The White Feather Foundation. This organization focuses its efforts on both environmental conservation and humanitarian causes.

 

Famous Five Timmy’s a trickster

In an upcoming 90-minute episode this holiday season, Julian, Dick, George, Anne, and their canine companion Timmy embark on another adventure in “The Famous Five.” Aunt Fanny, portrayed by Ann Akinjirin, shares that Kip, the dog who plays Timmy, has truly integrated himself into the group.

Ann mentions that the person is charming and enjoyable to be near, and so is his owner, Rosie. He’s full of energy, he’s quite young, and he knows some incredible tricks. During breaks, Rosie demonstrates a new trick that he has learned, according to Ann.

‘When the crew had a “hat day” just for fun, Timmy came on set with a cap on – he’s one of us.’

On December 23, you can stream the 90-minute episode titled “Murder at The Prospect Hotel” on BBC iPlayer. It will also be broadcast on BBC1 during New Year’s Eve.

 

BGT winner on a secret mission… to nab Bond gig

Winner of Britain’s Got Talent, Sydnie Christmas, graced the stage at the Royal Variety Performance last Sunday, yet she aims for a worldwide platform in her career.

Damian Lewis leads backlash by unpaid cast of Jimmy Carr's Downton spoof

It’s worth mentioning that Sydney, who is 29 years old, harbors a strong desire to perform the main theme for the upcoming Bond film. Her recent rendition of the song “Believer” over the weekend was purposely done to demonstrate her capabilities.

She shared with me: “It’s long been a dream of mine to sing a theme for James Bond, and performing at the Royal Variety seemed like the ideal platform to express this aspiration. The universe seems to have opened a door when I consider the incredible Bond themes by artists like Adele (Skyfall) and Shirley Bassey. If I could create a song with their level of majesty and drama, it would mark a significant milestone in my career.

She commented: ‘Encountering the King was an experience I’ll never forget. Performing for him was an incredible honor, and the whole Royal Variety Show seemed like a dream realized.’

On ITV’s New Year’s Eve program, she’ll perform “My Way.” Following her initial UK tour in February, she has plans to play a few shows in the United States as well.

 

New face of Marks & Spencer’s festive food

As a seasoned lifestyle enthusiast, I must admit that I’m quite fond of Marks & Spencer’s festive fare, particularly their delectable Chocolate and Hazelnut Buche. However, living in my locale, I may find it challenging to savor this delightful treat as they don’t currently deliver to my area.

57-year-old French actress, known for her role as a Christmas fairy in this season’s TV commercial, resides in a charming Victorian villa in a rather secluded area of Cornwall. However, Ocado, the delivery service, brings life to her otherwise isolated locale.

Damian Lewis leads backlash by unpaid cast of Jimmy Carr's Downton spoof

M&S food, does not deliver to her postcode.

Let’s hope M&S have sent her a hamper with thanks.

 

Have the new Fab Four been revealed? 

Based on various whispers and indications, it appears that the main actors for Sam Mendes’ four-part Beatles film series, each focusing on a unique band member narrative, have been cast.

It’s been revealed that Barry Keoghan will portray Ringo Starr, while Paul Mescal is rumored to take on the role of Paul McCartney, and Joe Quinn, a fellow Gladiator cast member, may play George Harrison in an upcoming project.

John Lennon is set to be played by Triangle Of Sadness and Babygirl star Harris Dickinson. 

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2024-12-20 02:20

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