The Graham Norton Show returns to screens

I’ve watched Graham Norton for years and always look forward to a fun filled hour of his talk show.

For almost 30 years, Norton has been a fixture in British television, offering up the perfect blend of wit, charm, and cheeky humour that keeps his audience — and his star-studded guests — coming back for more.

 

With nearly two decades of hosting on the BBC alone, Norton has established himself as a maestro of celebrity banter. His ability to create a relaxed atmosphere on set is unmatched, effortlessly drawing out amusing anecdotes from the A-listers who sit elbow-to-elbow on his sofa.

 

As Norton puts it, the show is like a TV party that gets the weekend started with a swing — and it’s one he’s still delighted to host after all these years.

“I’ve been doing this for so long, yet every time I sit in that chair, there’s still a buzz,” Norton shares. “It’s like riding a bike — familiar but exciting at the same time.”

 

Now celebrating the release of his fifth novel, Frankie, which he calls his “most ambitious yet,” Norton continues to surprise audiences with his versatility. With four bestselling books already to his name, his success as a novelist shows he’s just as talented behind the keyboard as he is on camera. But it’s his role as the host of one of the UK’s most beloved chat shows that keeps fans flocking to their screens.

 

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Join the Motherland Festival at Cradle Boutique Hotel

Empire proudly presents the Motherland Festival, an extraordinary celebration of South African music and culture, set to take place at the Cradle Boutique Hotel on 30 November 2024. Nestled in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, this festival honours the deep historical, cultural and natural significance of Africa – the birthplace of humankind.

The Cradle Boutique Hotel, located within the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve, offers a unique and sacred setting for this one-of-a-kind event.

The Motherland Festival reflects the soul of Africa—where past and future meet. African rhythms blend with futuristic melodies in an immersive all-day celebration, featuring a star-studded line-up of South Africa’s finest talent. Guests will be moved by the music, dance and vibrant community, all set against the breath-taking landscape of one of the world’s most profound historical sites.

The Motherland Festival reflects the soul of Africa—where past and future meet. African rhythms blend with futuristic melodies in an immersive all-day celebration, featuring a star-studded line-up of South Africa’s finest musical talent:

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The Fix: A Dystopian Thriller Premiering This Halloween

You may not know this about me, but I started my career in the South African Film & TV industry back, in the early 2000’s. I was a Production Manager on various international commercials that were shot in Cape Town. Hence, whenever I get news about local shows and movies, or anything related to the local film and TV industry, I get really excited. The Fix, which was filmed in my hometown of Cape Town, looks so entertaining, and I am looking forward to its release.

The Fix, premieres on 31 October 2024 on Showmax, as its Halloween highlight.

Set in a dystopian future with toxic air, The Fix follows a model who takes a new designer drug at a party and suffers a shocking transformation. Pursued by forces with competing interests in the drug’s effects, Ella discovers that her mutations could save the human race.

Grace van Dien (Chrissy in Stranger Things S4) stars as Ella, opposite Daniel Sharman (Fear The Walking Dead), SAFTA nominee Keenan Arrison (Binnelanders), Clancy Brown (John Wick 4, The Penguin), and Nicole Fortuin (Alles Malan). 

Watch the trailer:

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Shahan Ramkissoon Hosts The Mommy Club Reunion

Renowned journalist and talk show host Shahan Ramkissoon is set to host the highly anticipated reunion special of The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, premiering on Showmax on 31 October 2024.

Produced by POP24, The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice is the exciting second instalment of the beloved franchise that began with The Mommy Club featuring dynamic “it” moms from Johannesburg.

The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice offers an exclusive glimpse into the lives of glamorous mothers from Durban’s Indian community, showcasing their seemingly perfect lives. The show explores the vibrant dynamics among these mothers and their colourful extended families, revealing how they balance managing their personal empires while nurturing the next generation.

The cast includes Abigail Nepaul (41), Asharia Parsad (27), Christina Devraj (26), Devina Kowlas (43), Kim Jones (33), Lenore Goss-Matjie (45), Neetasha Singh Bugwandin (36), and twins Losh and Resh Naidoo (45). 

This groundbreaking reality show is a first-of-its-kind reality series that highlights the Indian community in South Africa, and Shahan is prepared to tackle the pressing themes and challenging conversations that arise. “I am known for being real, and this time will be no different. I aim to ask the questions that viewers have on their minds. It’s going to be unfiltered, no sugarcoating,” he says.

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Pigalle by Villamoura Reopens: Experience Halaal Fine Dining

Pigalle, a beloved dining institution in Sandton, is set to reopen its doors as Pigalle by Villamoura under new ownership on Friday, 1st November.  Now fully Halaal certified, Pigalle is ushering in a new era of dining with a focus on premium cuisine, offering a revitalized experience while maintaining the high standards of food and service it has long been known for.

To celebrate its grand reopening, Pigalle will be hosting an exclusive ‘Dining with the Stars’ weekend. Running from Friday, 1st November to Saturday, 2nd November, this event will feature special appearances by Dubai Bling personalities, Kris Fade and Ebraheem Alsamadi (aka The Blooming Man), both hailing from Dubai. Bookings are limited for this intimate dining experience and patrons can book by calling 011 889 8866.

Pigalle’s revamped offerings will now include a brand-new sushi bar, providing guests with a fresh and innovative take on the Japanese culinary tradition. Additionally, a stylish shisha & cigar lounge has been added, giving patrons a new way to relax and unwind while enjoying the restaurant’s renowned cuisine. The menu will continue to showcase Pigalle’s famous Mediterranean and seafood fusion dishes, ensuring that long-time patrons will find the quality they have always loved, now with an expanded offering and a more modern twist.

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