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French President Emmanuel Macron has reacted to news that Netflix hit Emily in Paris is moving to Rome for its fifth season, saying he “will fight hard” for the series to remain in his country’s capital.

In the season four finale of the popular romantic drama, series lead Emily Cooper (played by Lily Collins) is seen moving to Rome to open an Italian office for her marketing agency as well as continue her romance with cashmere clothing brand owner Marcello Muratori (Eugenio Franceschini).

Following the new season’s release, the show’s creator, Darren Star, confirmed that Emily’s stint in Rome might be longer than expected, adding, however, that it doesn’t mean she will be abandoning Paris altogether.

“Emily’s going to have a presence in Rome. It doesn’t mean she’s not going to be in Paris, but she’s going to have a presence in Rome,” he said.

Responding to the location change in a new interview with Variety, Macron, 46, argued that “Emily in Paris in Rome doesn’t make sense.”

“We will fight hard. And we will ask them to remain in Paris!” he exclaimed.

Asked if the series had ever tried to nab him for a cameo like they did with his wife Brigitte, the politician said: “I’m less attractive than Brigitte!”

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The French First Lady, 71, made a surprise appearance in the seventh episode of the second half of the season, titled “Lost In Translation.”

During the episode, Emily is out to eat with her mentee Genevieve (Thalia Besson) when they spot Brigitte sitting a few tables away.

After Emily musters up the courage to introduce herself, she and Genevieve ask to take a selfie with Brigitte.

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Of how the First Lady’s cameo came about, Collins previously revealed that the plan had been in motion for a while.

“The idea of the cameo came to us when Darren Star and I met her at the Elysée Palace in December 2022,” the British-born actor told Elle in September.

“She is a big fan of the show and took the mention of her in season 1 with great humor. This scene in season 4 is a wink, and shooting with her was both an honor and a real joy.”

Though this was the first time Brigitte appeared on the show, she played an important role in the first season.

While working on a marketing campaign in the episode“Masculin Féminin,” Emily is disappointed to learn the French use a masculine adjective for the word ‘vagina,’ a thought she then shares on social media.

Her post is seen and shared by former French first lady Carla Bruni and is then seen by Brigitte, who shares it with her followers.

The scene only shows Brigitte from the back, but the attention Emily receives from her ultimately results in her winning her colleagues’ respect.

Emily in Paris is scheduled to begin production on season five in mid-2025, though a release date is not yet known.

A PAL of Big Brother star Izaaz has claimed he is ‘playing a game’ in the house – as his past attempt at a pop career resurfaced online.

The 29-year-old, from Swansea, entered the Big Brother house in west London on Sunday, when the fan-favourite reality series premiered on ITV2.

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And those closest to Izaaz say it’s “not surprising” to see the “very motivated very driven” sales contestant on the small screen, as he “always wanted to be a star”.

In fact, he was even part of a promising boyband during secondary school.

Pictures and video obtained by The Sun shows the 2024 BBUK star, who is an avid Swansea City supporter, in his former band.

The Sun has not yet established the name of Izzaz’s music group but the video is called ‘New Faces’ which could be the name of the band or the song.

The clip features audio playing over snaps of the band members, and Izaaz in sunnies and a hoodie rapping alongside schoolmates Joel Murray and Ryan Lewis.

The track features the lyrics: “I got money raining in, take as much as you like, my Lambo’s outside, with your name on the back.

“It’s all about the money and the fame, I chase the girls who love the fun and the games.”

According to a former pal, Izaaz has always had fame in his sights, and this will make him a hit in the house.

His former pal told us: “Izaaz has all the traits of a successful housemate. He always wanted to be a star – he always wanted to be famous. He’s very motivated, very driven.

“He was popular among his peers – he was even part of a boyband. He’s overcome a lot.

The friend outlined some of the struggles Izaaz has been through.

“He was the chubby kid in school. His dad passed away when he was quite young and he became a single dad in his early twenties.”

“I think he’s going to be confident and funny. I think he will be playing a game.

“He demonstrated his determination and enthusiasm in his work, and I certainly think he’s got the personality. He’s principled – and a lot of people will see these personal attributes.”

And the friend predicts he could go all the way.

“I think he could get to the final – no problem.”

Big Brother continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX

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Velma has been canceled after two seasons on streaming service Max.

The animated Scooby-Doo prequel series starred The Office alum Mindy Kaling in the title role of Velma Dinkley, with Glenn Howerton, Sam Richardson, Constance Wu and Jane Lynch also among the voice cast.

The show was created and developed by former The Mindy Project writer-producer Charlie Grandy.

In a statement to The Independent, Max said: “Over the past two seasons, Mindy and Charlie have created an incredibly fun and fresh world within the iconic whodunit franchise.

“While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we thank them for their compelling coming-of-age storytelling, unrivaled clues, and hilarious hijinks.”

The series focused on Velma and her fellow members of Mystery Inc as high school students solving mysteries in the town of Crystal Cove.

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While there will not be a third season, a final Halloween special debuted earlier this week. Titled Velma: This Halloween Needs To Be More Special, the logline reads: “With just 24 hours to bring Velma back, the friends search for a dark spellbook while trying to avoid the wrath of a vengeful spirit.

“But as the annual Sexy Halloween party nears, Velma and the gang must face their biggest fears… if they all want to make it out alive.”

The series received an underwhelming response from viewers from the outset. Its first season sits at just 38 percent on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.

Back in 2022, Kaling responded to backlash surrounding the depiction of Dinkley as South Asian.

At New York’s Comic-Con, Kaling said that she was “always constantly surprised by reactions to everything on social media.”

“I think of the characters in this as so iconic, but in no way is the gang defined by their whiteness, except for Fred,” she continued.

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“So, I was a little bit surprised and I think most Indian-American girls when they see this sceptical, hardworking, kind of underappreciated character, can identify with her.”

Kaling said she remembered doing the same as a kid. “Growing up, I’ve always identified with Velma,” she said of the industrious character considered the “brains” of the Scooby gang.

“She was so cute, but not like traditionally hot – super smart, super thick glasses, questionable haircut. I just love the series and I feel so honoured to do the voice.”