ABBA legend Björn Ulvaeus compares himself to Charles Dickens
ABBA star Björn Ulvaeus claims he has quite a lot in common with novelist Charles Dickens.
The singer/songwriter made the comparison to the Victorian literary legend at the opening of an exhibition about his chart-topping band in London yesterday.
Björn, 72, read a review about the new Dickens movie, The Man Who Invented Christmas, staring Dan Stevens, and he revealed: “It said about the young Dickens, he was a young chap startled by his sudden success and with absolutely no confidence that it would last and I saw myself directly in that.
“This was me back in 1974 when we won the Eurovision Song Contest. I thought it would last a few years. For me to be standing here after all those years is absolutely incredible.”
In the past three decades the members including Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad have enjoyed a revival with the release of their greatest hits ABBA Gold, the musical and movie Mamma Mia and an ABBA Museum in Stockholm.
It said about the young Dickens, he was a young chap startled by his sudden success and with absolutely no confidence that it would last and I saw myself directly in that.
The exhibition, showing original costumes, gold discs, awards and memorabilia, is at the Southbank Centre.
Tickets are from www. southbankcentre.co.uk.
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The future is orange, says Robbie
Take That perform Shine at One Love Manchester concert
ROBBIE WILLIAMS has good and bad news for Take That fans. The 43-year-old, who left the band in 1995 and briefly returned in 2010, says he’s up for another reunion but only if fellow ex-member Jason Orange comes back.
“I’m in if it’s a five-piece,” says Robbie about performing again with the pop group who are currently a trio with remaining members Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald.
Earlier this year Gary seemed convinced that all the boys would reform.
He said: “We’re planning something special for the 30-year anniversary. Maybe a new record, maybe a greatest hits with a big tour.”
Well, that’s not until 2020, so he has a fair bit of time to get his act together.
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Dame Barbara honours Dame June
Dame June Whitfield was honoured by her pal Dame Barbara Windsor at TRIC annual Christmas lunch at London’s Grosvenor House this week.
The actress, 92, below right, won a Lifetime Achievement Award by a gushing Barbara, 80, right, who spoke of their 65 years of friendship.
Barbara said in her speech: “When I first saw June I loved her so much. It was my first West End show and I was only 15 at the time. She was tiny like me, with blonde hair and she sang and she danced. I have based myself on you!”
She then took a cheeky dig at their former soap opera cast-mates.
“I am so thrilled you came into EastEnders,” added Babs.
Barbara Windsor’s hilarious story about her famous bikini scene
“I was ever so lonely as you know what that lot are like. They are not like us. We are old school...’”
The Former Ab Fab star replied: “You are a wicked girl. I am knocked out by this.
"It is such a pleasure to be here with you today.”
Also attending the event were Caroline Monk, Lisa Snowdon, Melissa Hemsley and Gaby Roslin, pictured above.
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Hugh Jackman think's he's past it
Hugh Jackman reckons he’s past his sell-by date.
The 49-year-old says his 17 years playing his most recognisable role as the clawed character in the movie adaptation of comic book The Avengers, has come to an end.
“I could always see Wolverine in the middle of all of them action figures… punching them all on the head, but I think, unfortunately, the ship has sailed for me,” he says.
The Australian previously declared he was walking away from the X-Men franchise having brought the character to life in a number of big screen projects since 2000, however he still gave the impression that he hadn’t totally ruled out a future return.
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Kate Winslet gets lippy
While many celebrities say they keep grounded by doing charity or surrounding themselves with old friends and family, KATE WINSLET simply applies her own lipstick.
The 42-year-old Hollywood star reckons doing her beauty routine herself is the key to staying humble.
“I love doing my own hair and make-up. I’m a pretty low-key, low-maintenance person and I like to keep life as normal as I can around me,” insists the Oscar-winning actress.
“Doing my own make-up is reassuring in that regard.”