‘I was nervous but ready for a new challenge…’: Strictly’s Stacey Dooley makes a surprise career move from documentaries to dramas — as she joins Gavin and Stacey favourite in emotional coming-of-age series that could launch a whole new chapter for the TV star… - suong
STRICTLY star Stacey Dooley is making the jump from documentaries to dramas.
The TV presenter is set to make her acting debut alongside Gavin and Stacey star Adrian Scarborough.
The pair will also star alongside EastEnders’ Kara Tointon in coming-of-age scripted drama Truth Banana.
The series, produced by Starstruck Originals, has been written and directed by James Delow and executive produced by Big Brother presenter and Hits Radio host Will Best.
A source said: “Stacey has been wondering about getting into acting for some time. She was naturally nervous but all the cast and crew were really impressed.
“It really helped that Truth Banana was a pilot so while she was working alongside some big names, there wasn’t extra pressure of everyone knowing she was filming her debut.”
Last week The Sun revealed how the drama is the first venture from Will’s new business Starstruck Originals – a new branch of Soho based production company Starstruck.
He is working alongside Starstruck CEO James Delow.
Insisting the venture will be in stark contrast to the doom and gloom of real life and some of Netflix‘s darker series, Will told The Sun: “We’re developing relatable, feel-good escapes for audiences who are looking to have their belief in the human spirit reaffirmed.”
James added: “Love, loss and laughter will be the three pillars of our storytelling, because the everyday moments in life that move us the most feel just like cinema.”
Towie’s Elliott Wright reveals real reason he’s selling £6.5m restaurant after devastating arson atta ngocc
TOWIE alum Elliott Wright has revealed the real reason he’s selling up his £6.5million Spanish restaurant following a devastating arson attack.
Last week, we reported how the reality TV star-turned-businessman, 45, was quitting life in the Cosa del Sol to return home.
He is putting his establishment – Olivia’s La Cala in Marbella – on the market to be near his older children Elliott Jr, 18, and Olivia, 16.
We previously told how Elliott is taking the establishment to auction, with bids starting at €7.5million (£6.5million).
The sale will include the freehold beachfront property, the trading business, and the Olivia’s La Cala brand and trademark.
Now h has told why he’s upping sticks despite a recent rebrand for the celeb-favourite eatery.
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The dad of five, who is married to Sadie Wright, told how he is returning to be close to his eldest kids Elliott Junior, 18, and Olivia, 16 – who don’t want to take on the family firm.
He told MailOnline: “I’m basically basing myself out in Spain for a lifestyle choice over there that the children don’t wanna be a part of. And I don’t want to split my kids up.
“Everyone has dreams, and fundamentally, I thought that they’d come over and take over, so that I could step back and watch them flourish and show them how to do it.
“I would have liked to have shown my kids how to be successful at it, but you can’t force your dreams onto your children.
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“It was a lovely dream, but a pipe dream, and it wasn’t one that they wanted to do.
“There’s no sad feelings at all about it. I’m very content, and I’m going to be closer to my children. The most important thing for me is spending time with the kids.”
Towie Star Elliott Wright Announces Fifth Baby
FAMILY JOY
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Elliott previously told how his two children are soon to be based in London, and that his dreams of them taking the reins would not be happening.
He is also parent to Billy, aged six, John, aged two and daughter Dolly, who is just three months.
He added: “Olivia’s is a party restaurant. It’s a fun place to be. You can’t sit there and ponder on what’s going on in the past.
“You do have bad times, but the good times outweigh the bad. And with Olivia’s, it massively outweighs it.
TOWIE STARS SPIN OFF
WITH the announcement TOWIE will return in 2025 for two new series, it's good news for some former ITVBE stars, too
TWO of the show’s best loved former stars will celebrate their own big life moments with a spin off series featuring Tommy Mallet and Georgia Kousoulou.
Their new show title is currently unconfirmed.
The pair, who first met and found love on TOWIE back in 2014, finally say ‘I Do’ in a three part special produced by Objective Entertainment.
The show will follow on from the success of their Baby Steps series.
“None of that has really played a part in it. Whatever business you’re going to go into, you’re gonna go through it.
“It’s part and parcel of being a business owner.”
RESTAURANT HISTORY
Named after his daughter, the fine establishment was known for hosting wild nights out for a plethora of stars including The Only Way is Essex favourites Ferne McCann and Elliott’s cousins Mark and Jess Wright.
Elliott’s project evolved into a destination restaurant that attracted celebrities, tourists, and expats with its lively atmosphere.
But the restaurant has also gone through its fair share of troubles, with the establishment attacked by vandals shortly after a bouncer was killed there two years ago.
Elliott, who was a part of The Only Way is Essex from 2010 to 2017, said in a previous video: “Hi everybody, I just wanna do a short reel just to explain that what’s in the news today is true.
“I am selling my beautiful restaurant Olivia’s. It’s been an amazing 10 years.
“I’ve loved every minute of it.
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“We’ve got some fantastic memories we’ll take forever with us but I’m a family man, and, I’ve got 3 beautiful children with Sadie.
“Dolly who come along this year and I’ve got two elder children Olivia and Elliott.”
