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Fireworks explode over England as Emily goes 'West Virginia hood rat' on one bachelor
By Diane Vadino Special to MSN TV
This surprisingly entertaining season of "The Bachelorette" continues this week in London and Stratford Upon Avon, where, conveniently, we get to see the guys humiliated by Shakespeare, which was always going to be a pleasure. (It's like a 16th century revenge, played out 500 years later.)
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But we're skipping ahead: First up on this week's one-on-ones is Sean. Is Sean the dark horse this season? He barely even spoke the first couple episodes, until Emily's friends sexually harassed him and made him (a) take off his shirt and (b) do push-ups for their own personal amusement. But he's proven to be a mature, level-headed guy, and Emily can't get enough of his Olympic swimmer looks: "Guys that look like you are usually really boring," she tells him. But he's not! Supposedly. They head to Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park, and he gives an impromptu (?) speech about love: "My parents have shown me great love, and I'm searching for that great love. I haven't found it yet, but I'm hopeful that I will." Emily's all, can we please make out immeeeeediately. They have dinner in the Tower of London. "As you know, I have a six-year-old daughter," Emily says. I'm sure that made sense in context, but it sounds like, "As you know, I have blond hair" or "As you know, we breathe oxygen" or "As you know, I'm a corporeal human being." Not shockingly, Sean did know that, and equally unsurprisingly, he's totally down with the dad thing. He, of course, gets the rose.
Photos: 'Bachelorette' stars: Where are they now? | This season's contestants
Back at the ranch, the guys get the group date card: "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Alejandro makes his sole contribution to the season by identifying the writer as Shakespeare -- which means that we're headed to the Bard's hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon. The group daters are Chris, Arie, Ryan, Doug, Alejandro, Travis, John, and Kalon, who's put in an extremely bad temper by missing out on his chance for a one-on-one and sits in the back of the room stewing like Patrick Bateman before a kill. Though these outings inevitably reward a good sense of humor and penalize taking things too seriously, Kalon -- improbably cast as Romeo -- hasn't gotten that memo: "He needs to chill out and realize he's not on Broadway," Emily says. He doesn't do either, so Arie steals the show, good-humoredly tramping his way through a performance as a “Romeo & Juliet” nurse. Ryan similarly impresses Emily by finding a way to make out with her on stage.
Shakespeare might actually be proud to know that the real drama came after the play -- with the cocktails. The evening begins typically enough, with Emily and Arie making out, and Ryan continuing to swing the pendulum from douche lothario to smooth operator. (He accomplishes the latter by pulling a necklace out of his pocket and giving it to her: "I'm sorry this is not some nice box or something," he says.) We've already seen a bit of Kalon's bad behavior, when he said that he was waiting impatiently for a one-on-one date -- but that every date's a group date when you're dating a single mom. (As, Emily will soon remind us, Kalon's mom was.) The slow-motion blow-up begins when Kalon complains to Chris about waiting for his chance to talk to Emily: "I'll get a chance to talk to an exhausted sick mother who has a daughter waiting for her." Oh, and? Kalon thinks six-year-old Ricki is baggage. Chris talks this over with Arie, and probably nothing would have come of it except Doug becomes involved -- and single dad Doug thinks that Emily needs to know. Doug actually tackles this the most mature way possible: He asks Kalon if he actually did call Ricki baggage. (He did. He's "not going to apologize for it.") Thus reassured, Doug tells Emily. "I'm trying to to think of the most ladylike way to handle it," she says. Then, she says, "I want to go out there and rip his limbs off and beat him with them." Confronted with his own words, Kalon tries to reframe "baggage" as "responsibility," but it's not working. "She's the furthest thing from baggage, and anyone with the tiniest heart could see that," Emily says. (Her best line is actually "I love to hear you talk, but not before I'm done -- I got that line from you.") Emily kicks him out, but all the drama leaves her in an unhappily contemplative mood. "I'm worried about my judgment," she says. "No one said anything. It makes me wonder, whose back do you have?" Well, except for Doug, right? There will be no roses on this night. "My dream guy would be willing to fight for me," she says. "And I don't know if I have someone who would have my back like that."
Emily, therefore, is even more under the weather when she meets Jef for afternoon tea. And an etiquette lesson. "I realized my one-on-one turned into a two-on-one with [the etiquette expert] and Emily," Jef says, disheartened. It looks incredibly, incredibly painful. "I'm not used to someone correcting me after everything I do on a date," Jef says. The etiquette lesson seems to be cut short: "I'm ready to get the hell out of here," Emily says. They go for fish and chips at a local pub, and then head up the London Eye for dinner and views over the city. Emily tells Jef that she “questions if you're into me all the time,” which seems to utterly mystify Jef. He scores the best Ricki-related answer of the night when Emily asks him if -- when she and Ricki move to Salt Lake City to be with him -- “the party's over.” “No,” he says. “It's like the party's just begun.” Well played, sir. Jef, obviously, gets a rose.
The rose ceremony follows, and is most notable for Ryan recovering from his lame-o showings the previous two weeks, with a dramatic interpretation and bunch of kissing. Emily's not totally buying it ... but she sort of is: “He's so smooth he thinks he can get any girl, and here I am falling for it.” As for the roses, they're going to ... everyone but Alejandro. It's gotta be a little more embarrassing when you're the only guy who's not going home. “Gosh,” he says. “I was definitely not expecting to go home tonight [and not go to Croatia].” We hardly knew ye, friend.
"The Bachelor" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Amy's Baking Company adds immigration proceeding to public relations quagmire
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Amy's Baking Company restaurateur Samy Bouzaglo, made infamous for his stint on Gordon Ramsay's show "Kitchen Nightmares," is facing deportation for withholding information about his criminal past. The Moroccan-born Israeli citizen was apparently less than forthcoming with immigration officials about drug distribution and extortion charges that landed him in prison before he came to the United States 13 years ago.
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Bouzaglo is now mired in ongoing immigration court proceedings that could result in his expulsion from the country, AZ Central reports. His attorney, David Asser, says the matter began two years ago and is unrelated to his unflattering portrayal on FOX's "Kitchen Nightmares." His residency was the subject of a removal hearing on Monday in Arizona. Samy tells the Arizona Republic, "The FBI knows all about me ... The IRS knows. I want people to know about me. But not today, not tomorrow. I have nothing to hide."
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'Starting Strong' to chronicle what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life
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Actor Ricky Schroder and his production company have joined forces with the U.S. Army to produce an unscripted series that will shed light on the different aspects of Army life. "Starting Strong," which is directed, narrated and produced by Schroder, aims to educate Americans about daily life in the Army and potential careers within the organization. Viewers will be introduced to more than 150 military occupational specialties by Army prospects who will share their personal on-the-job experiences. Schroder tells the Hollywood Reporter, "This is sort of new for the Army to give this behind-the-scenes, open-door look at what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life. Viewers are going to see real young men and women getting real experience in living, eating and breathing Army culture and jobs."
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One focus for the series will center around the expectations of military candidates and how they match up with reality. The series will follow trainees through the challenges of their chosen profession until they ultimately decide to join the Army or return to civilian life. Schroder explains, "Sometimes what the families want the young man or woman to do is different than what they end up doing. And the Army's standards are higher than ever. So, in some cases, the Army may not want you because you are just not up to standards. You will see some of that, but it will be handled in a very delicate and gentle way." The 10-week chronicle is set to debut on FOX stations on June 2, with four additional episodes available online.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
'Who Do You Think You Are?' to return in July on TLC
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Lisa Kudrow's family tree-themed "Who Do You Think You Are?" has taken root at a new network after bosses at NBC axed it last year. Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon and Lionel Richie were among the celebrities who investigated their ancestral history on the series, which ran for three seasons and was executive produced by former "Friends" star Kudrow. NBC executives decided to cancel "Who Do You Think You Are?" last May, but it has now been picked up by TLC.
A statement from Kudrow reads, "I've never stopped hearing about how much people love 'Who Do You Think You Are?,' and I've always known that we've had more great stories to share. TLC is a great home for the series, and we join our excited celebrity participants as we unearth some amazing background and surprising histories." The new eight-part reality series will kick off on July 23.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
Former 'America's Got Talent' star headed to Britain's 'X Factor'
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Former "America's Got Talent" star Sharon Osbourne is back in the judge's seat after signing up to return to Britain's "The X Factor." "The Talk" co-host, who is one of the original judges on the TV talent show, will take a seat on the panel alongside singers Nicole Scherzinger and Gary Barlow, as well as Irish music manager Louis Walsh. Announcing her comeback, executive producer Simon Cowell says, "Three words I never thought I'd say ... Welcome back, Sharon!" Osbourne, who starred on "The X Factor" from 2004 to 2007, adds, "I couldn't be happier about coming back for the 10th anniversary of 'X Factor.' I can't wait to give Gary Barlow a big hug, sit next to the gorgeous Nicole and of course throw water on dear Louis. Yay!"
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She later tweeted: "How lucky am I to have 2 jobs @TheTalk_CBS & @TheXFactor? I will be going back & forth all yr (year), best of both worlds!" The news was confirmed on Wednesday following months of speculation about who would replace British pop star Tulisa Contostavlos in the upcoming 10th series. Meanwhile, the judges for the new season of "The X Factor" in the U.S. have now been set: Kelly Rowland and Latin pop star Paulina Rubio will be replacing the departed Britney Spears and L.A. Reid on the show.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
Report says FOX has approached Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and others
"American Idol" is in need of a makeover, and that could mean turning past winners and contestants into judges.
FOX and the producers behind "Idol" have approached first-season champion Kelly Clarkson and former contestant Jennifer Hudson to become judges, reports Vulture. While FOX has yet to comment about the show's 13th season and who will be judging, sources tell the website the network has shortlisted Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken as well.
"I'd like to see a past 'American Idol' contestant," Angie Miller, who finished third this season, told TVGuide.com, when talking about future judges. "They really understand what this process is like and what you do during the week. (It should be) someone who gets it."
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
Miller's wish could come true. According to The Wrap, all four judges from Season 12 -- Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban -- and even producer Nigel Lythgoe are getting the boot. But so far, Jackson has been the only one to officially wave goodbye.
But a change in personnel is inevitable. "American Idol" suffered a considerable ratings slump this season. The network and producers are also reportedly fed up with paying out huge sums to big-named stars who don't stick around. Although Clarkson and Hudson wouldn't be cheap, they should be more relatable because they've competed on the show.
They might also presumably attract a broader, younger audience. "Everything is on the table," Kevin Reilly, FOX's entertainment chairman, told reporters last week. And if the Vulture story holds true, that means fans of "Idol" could see a judges' table full of familiar and friendlier faces.
"American Idol" Season 13 returns to FOX in 2014.
| Tags: | American Idol |
Amy's Baking Company cancels press conference, part ways with PR firm
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Lawyers representing Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares" have warned Amy's Baking Company owners to stop discussing their "unflattering portrayal" or face paying $100,000 each. Amy and Samy Bouzaglo were sent a legal notice from the show's attorneys last Friday after "Kitchen Nightmare" bosses learned of the couple's plans to hold a press conference in advance of the restaurant's "grand reopening" to tell their side of the story, according to Radar Online. The couple ended up canceling their press conference. Shortly after receiving the cease and desist from FOX, Amy's Baking Company was dropped by their new PR firm, Rose+Moser+Allyn Public & Online Relations on account of what publicist Jason Rose describes as "differences on public relations strategies."
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According to reports, the letter claims that any media session, especially one derogatory against the show, would constitute a breach of contract and make the couple liable for $100,000 in damages each. It reads, "We understand that you are planning a public event on May 21, 2013, at which you will discuss your experiences and your 'unflattering portrayals' on the show. If you speak about the show without Upper Ground's and FOX's prior approval, and if you disparage the show, its host, or its producers, you will breach your obligations under Paragraph 10 of your Personal Release and Paragraph 14 of your Participant Agreement." The letter goes on to state, "These agreements prohibit you from speaking publicly about Kitchen Nightmares, other than to acknowledge 'the mere fact of your participation in the Series in personal publicity relating to yourself.' Your conduct exposes each of you to liability for liquidated damages of $100,000." In their episode of "Kitchen Nightmares", the Bouzaglos were unwilling to accept chef Gordon Ramsey's attempts to rehabilitate their struggling restaurant.
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
'Voice' coach recounts experience at Denny's with fellow bandmate
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"Voice" judge Adam Levine swore off drugs early on in his career after a strange experience on prescription medication Ambien. The Maroon 5 frontman and his bandmate James Valentine mistook the sedatives for stimulants and took them while on tour. But instead of giving a much-needed boost, the drug knocked them out cold -- while they were waiting for dinner.
Levine explains, "We had a brief experience one time with what I guess was Ambien. James Valentine and I, we didn't really know what it was ... It was the first and last time we took this drug. But we were at Denny's at some shady part of the city of whatever part of the country we were in, and we took it and we ordered the food ... and we woke up at the table, what must have been an hour (later) ... I was like, 'Oh, no.' And James had his head down, so I was like, 'Hey, man. Hey, we should get out of here.' We didn't eat our food. We sheepishly paid our bills and walked out, and everyone's looking (at us) like, 'What's wrong with these guys?' And then since then I've never done drugs."
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
Soap veteran and pop star join Jon Lovitz, Sebastian Bach, Darrell Hammond, more
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Actress Lisa Rinna and pop singer Debbie Gibson have joined the cast of the upcoming reality show "Sing Your Face Off." ABC recently snapped up the rights to the hit Spanish talent show "Your Face Sounds Familiar," where celebrities take on the identity of a legendary singer each week. Veteran soap star Rinna, comedian Jon Lovitz and former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach have signed on as contestants.
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Toronto Raptors basketball ace Landry Fields and teenage Disney Channel singer/actress China Anne McClain are also gearing up for the challenge. The show will be hosted by "Scandal" star John Barrowman. Their performances will be judged by Gibson and comedian Darrell Hammond. An air date for the show has not yet been set.
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
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Deanna Barnert | Los Angeles, Calif.
Entertainment journalist Deanna "TVDeeva" Barnert visits sets, interviews industry players and critiques the final product. Buzz's daytime TV queen covers it all for MSN TV, but loves her sitcoms, soaps and any juicy drama that doesn't call itself Reality TV.
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