Entertainment
Katherine Heigl remembers “Grey’s Anatomy ”costar Eric Dane in raw post: 'I debated this post for days’
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“Here’s to your next great adventure,” she wrote of Dane, who died on Thursday at the age of 53, almost a year after he announced his ALS diagnosis.
Entertainment
Mike ‘The Situation’ Reacts to Costar Snooki’s Cancer Diagnosis
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino has a message for his Jersey Shore costar Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi amid her recent cancer diagnosis.
“Sending prayers full of love, promotion and healing to our girl @snooki,” Sorrentino, 43, wrote via X on Sunday, February 22, alongside a bandaged heart emoji and a throwback photo featuring Snooki, 38.
Snooki announced on Friday, February 20, via TikTok that she received a stage I cervical cancer diagnosis.
“Obviously not the news that I was hoping for,” Snooki said after sharing that she recently had a biopsy. “But also not the worst news, just because they caught it so early.”
Snooki encouraged her followers to get an annual Pap smear, which is how the reality TV star learned she has cancerous cells on her cervix.
“That’s why I’m literally telling you guys to get your Pap smears done. I’m 38 years old. I’ve been struggling with abnormal Pap smears for like, three, four years now,” she said. “And now look at me, and instead of just, like, putting it off because I didn’t want to go, and it hurt and I was scared, no, I just went and did it, [and] cancer’s in there, and it’s only stage I and it’s curable.”
Snooki explained that she had a colposcopy — a test for “abnormal tissue,” according to Mayo Clinic — which “took a chunk out of [her] cervix.” She then underwent a cone biopsy, which Mayo Clinic defined as a procedure in which “surgeons remove a cone-shaped wedge of abnormal tissue from your cervix.”
The biopsy uncovered that the margins around the tumor were clear and hadn’t spread beyond the cervix, but Snooki noted that there’s a chance the cancer could spread throughout her body since this type is generally “more aggressive.” Snooki shared she has a PET scan scheduled to figure out whether there is cancer elsewhere in her body.
“And then after that, I’m going to probably get the hysterectomy, because the oncologist said you can either do chemo, radiation or the hysterectomy,” she continued. “Obviously, I think the smart choice here is the hysterectomy. I’ll still keep my ovaries, which is a good sign, but the hysterectomy, got to get the cervix in, the uterus out and then possibly lymph nodes, because it can [spread there]. So I guess it all depends on the PET scan.”
Despite the year “not turning out” the way she hoped, Snooki shared her positive outlook.
“Could be very much worse,” she said, while asking followers to comment on the video if they’re going through something similar.
Snooki — who shares kids Lorenzo, 13, Giovanna, 11, and Angelo, 6, with husband Jionni LaValle — also promised to be “vulnerable” on her social media while sharing updates on her health journey.
On Sunday, Snooki shared a separate TikTok video weighing in on the support she has received by making a heart with her hands as she mouthed “I love you.”
“Seeing all the love you guys have shown me means THE WORLD to me,” she captioned the post, “thanks for being my besties 4ever 😭🙏🏽💕.”
Entertainment
Project Runway’s Tim Gunn Reveals Why He’s Been Celibate for 43 Years
Former Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn has detailed why he hasn’t had sex for more than four decades.
During the Thursday, February 19, episode of Chelsea Handler’s “Dear Chelsea” podcast, Gunn, 72, explained that he’s been celibate for 43 years following a devastating breakup.
“I had a very serious nine-year relationship in Washington, D.C., and I loved this person deeply and would have done anything for him. And I still remember the night that it all ended,” Gunn told Handler, 50. “We were in bed watching M*A*S*H … he said to me, ‘I have no patience for you any longer. I want you to leave.’ I had my own apartment, but I had been living with him for years, and I left. I drove to my apartment on Rock Creek Parkway, and I had to pull off because I was hyperventilating. I was beside myself with self flagellation and self pity, and it was awful.”
Gunn, who also executive produced the Bravo reality fashion series from its 2004 debut through to 2017, added that his former partner was somebody he had worked with. “So it wasn’t as though I just would never see him again,” he said. “One of the things that he told me that night was that he’d been sleeping with just about everything that walked by, and I had been loyal and faithful to him. He was the only person I’d ever been with.”
He continued, “The self pity then turned to completely unbridled anger because I thought he may have given me a death sentence. Of course, and I was tested every six months for ten years for HIV and thankfully I had a clean slate. But whenever I was even tempted to engage in something that could become serious with someone, all this would come back like Niagara Falls, and it would just take the desire away.”
Gunn, who currently produces and stars alongside former Project Runway host Heidi Klum in the reality fashion series Making the Cut, added that remaining celebate wasn’t easy.
“I have to say, being celibate and being someone who lives alone was a bit of an adjustment, but now I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. Gunn is currently single and typically keeps details regarding his private life close to his chest.
After Handler expressed sympathy over Gunn’s former relationship breakdown, he offered further perspective into his mindset around celibacy. “Things happen for a reason, and sometimes the reason isn’t revealed at the moment,” he began. “It may not be revealed for days, weeks, or months, or sometimes even years. But had this relationship not fallen apart, I would never have moved to New York. It would never have happened.”
Gunn was not part of July 2025’s Project Runway reboot, telling People five months prior to the show’s premiere that he was not asked back. “Heidi [Klum] and I were texting and texting, and several months later, she sent me a text asking, ‘Are you happy with your contract?’ I’m a truth-teller. I don’t even mince words,” Gunn told the outlet at the time. “I said, ‘Well, I haven’t seen a contract.’ And she said, ‘You haven’t?’ No.”
Klum, 52, told Us Weekly at the time that fans weren’t happy with Gunn’s omission from the new-look show. “Our fans are upset, you know, because we have a great audience,” the host said last year. “People loved us for 16 years. I guess they were maybe upset that they’ll never see us again, but Tim and I are sticking together.”
Entertainment
Patrick Dempsey Makes 1st Public Appearance After Eric Dane’s Death
Grey’s Anatomy alum Patrick Dempsey made his first public appearance since the death of his former costar Eric Dane.
Joined by wife, Jillian Dempsey, and the pair’s daughter, Talula, Patrick, 60, looked dapper in a black tuxedo while attending the 2026 BAFTA Awards in London, England, on Sunday, February 22. Jillian, 60, accompanied Patrick and Talula, 24, at a pre-BAFTA party at London’s 5 Hertford Street Club before the actor and his daughter posed for photos on their own on Royal Festival Hall’s red carpet.
The trio then attended a BAFTAs afterparty at The Twenty Two club once the ceremony wrapped, where they posed for further photos together. Dempsey served as a presenter during the awards ceremony.
The public outing comes after Us Weekly confirmed the death of Dempsey’s former on-screen rival, Dane, on Thursday, February 19, via a statement shared by Dane’s family. The Euphoria actor died that day at the age of 53 following a battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
During an appearance on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show one day after Dane’s death, Dempsey, who portrayed Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd opposite Dane’s Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on the ABC medical drama, detailed his sadness over the news. “I just woke up this morning and it was very sad to read the news. It’s hard to put into words. I feel really so sad for his children,” Dempsey said during the Virgin Radio U.K. interview. “I was corresponding with him, we were texting, so I spoke to him about a week ago, and some friends of ours went in to see him and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak. He was bedridden and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly.”
Dempsey went on to reflect fondly on his friend and former colleague. “He was the funniest man — he was such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit, because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it,” he detailed. “He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with. We got along instantly. First scene was him, you know, in all his glory, coming out of the bathroom with the towel on, looking amazing, making you feel completely out of shape and insignificant.”
Dempsey continued, touching on the characters’ fictional rivalry, “We hit it off because it was never really any competition,” he explained during the appearance. “There was just this wonderful mutual respect. He’s wickedly intelligent, and I’m always going to remember those moments of fun that we had together and celebrate the joy that he did bring to people’s lives, and the real loss is for us who don’t have them anymore.”
In announcing Dane’s death, his family shared details into his final moments before reflecting on their own memories. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement to Us read. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
ALS is an incurable disease of the nervous system that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and gets worse over time. According to Mayo Clinic, “The exact cause of the disease is still not known.”
Entertainment
OF Star Bonnie Blue Faces Backlash Over Pregnancy Reveal
Adult content creator Bonnie Blue has revealed she’s pregnant weeks after going viral for having an unprotected sex marathon with 400 men.
The internet sensation appears to have things under control, as she previously revealed that in the case of a potential pregnancy, she will reach out to the participants to have a conversation with them.
Bonnie Blue’s announcement, however, has been met with severe backlash on social media, with many expressing concern for the baby.
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Bonnie Blue Announces Pregnancy After Record-Breaking Unprotected Sexual Encounter With 400 Men

Bonnie Blue has claimed she’s pregnant weeks after breaking the record for having the most unprotected sexual encounters with the most number of men.
The viral sensation made the revelation on Sunday, February 22, in a YouTube video, noting that her body underwent some changes, leading her to run a test.
“I’ve been sick, a headache, and when I say headache, I mean like mega migraine,” she explained, per Us Weekly. “Foods have been making me feel sick, but then also some foods I’m wanting to eat instantly else I will be sick.”
In the video, she admitted that she was “a little bit nervous” when she had the test, before returning to the camera to show the result.
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“That is a pretty… It’s like half pink, half white. Kind of looks like a drumstick, actually. Yeah, definitely pregnant. Like fully pregnant,” she said.
She also made an appointment to carry out an ultrasound, during which the technician confirmed her pregnancy.
“Oh, is that the baby?” she asked while looking at the screen. “That’s actually crazy.”
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The Content Creator Came Under Fire After Her Revelation
Social media has slammed the adult content creator, with many stating how worried they are for her baby, especially due to her recent sex marathon.
One person on X noted, “I feel so sorry for that poor baby, what a horrible origin story. Thankfully, we can write our own stories with time in life, but damn, that will be a rough start to have her as a mother.”
“She’ll probably abort it after she grifts off the ultrasound pics,” a second person claimed.
However, amid the backlash, Blue received some support after sharing the news on her TikTok account, where she shared that “nothing” has changed for her despite the pregnancy.
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One of her followers said, “Congratulations, Bonnie! We love to hear it.” Another said, “Congrats, I’m so happy for you, only if u wanted to keep it tho u have my full support in anything.”
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Bonnie Blue Broke The Record For Having Sex With 400 Men

Blue, whose real name is Tia Billinger, made headlines earlier this month after she broke the world record for having unprotected sex with 400 men. The previous record was achieved by Ariana Jollee in 2004 after allegedly sleeping with 65 men.
The event, which took place at Lord Davenport’s mansion, reportedly saw some participants wait in line for more than seven hours just to make out with Blue.
“I was concerned I’d drown with the amount of fluids I had planned to consume, and did consume by the end of the day,” she said in a statement after the event, per Us Weekly. “I wanted the men who wanted to be a dad the most, with the strongest swimmers, to get a fast pass to the front of the queue.”
It was supposed to happen earlier than its February 7 date, but reports claimed she had to postpone her event “for one unapologetically blunt reason — it’s the wrong time of the month.”
However, she later revealed she was on a “breeding mission” and had to push the date back to align with her biological clock.
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The Adult Star Plans To Reach Out To The Participants After Learning She’s Pregnant

Blue would likely not have issues deciphering who the father of her unborn child is, as she seemingly prepared for the possibility of getting pregnant.
After her event, she was asked how she would go about a potential pregnancy, but she brushed it off at the time, saying, “That’s a problem for another day.”
However, she later shared that she would “of course” reach out to the participants to have a conversation with them should she get pregnant, revealing that she took DNA samples from them.
“Which is why I collected DNA samples on the day,” Blue explained. “It was important for me to remember more than just their p-nis size this time round, so I got their DNA samples and their contact details.”
Bonnie Blue Struggled To Get Pregnant For Her Estranged Husband

According to Us Weekly, precautions were also taken to ensure she and all 400 men were healthy, as they all underwent STD testing.
“No extra precautions were taken other than the standard sh-t — shave & shower,” Blue said, adding that she felt “great” after the event.
“This is the most hydrated I’ve ever felt, and I’ll put it down to the amount of fluids that were left inside me,” she continued. “I always knew I wasn’t going to be going into the thousands, as the event focus was on being filled up as opposed to a number game.”
News of her pregnancy comes about three years after she split from her estranged husband, Oliver “Ollie” Davidson, with whom she seemingly struggled to get pregnant.
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“I tried to get pregnant for years with my ex-partner and really, really struggled, and I’d have to go down the IVF route. So I wish I could say I might get pregnant; however, I’m not in that position where I can fall pregnant naturally,” she said during a 2025 chat with the news outlet.
Entertainment
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming apologizes for 'strong language' shouted by Tourette syndrome advocate during ceremony
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John Davidson, who lives with Tourette’s and is the subject of Outstanding British Film nominee “I Swear,” could be heard shouting slurs and curses.
Entertainment
Simple Hacks To Improve Your Space
Bro, Time to Grow Up!
Simple Apartment Hacks
Published
TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page.
Nothing can make you feel more put together than a well-equipped living space.
Listen, making these kinds of changes to your apartment can be difficult … for anyone … and the following list is aimed at taking the guesswork out of revamping your digs.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to toss out all those cool decorations you copped over the years, just take a look through this curated collection and see what might elevate what you already have.
Picture this … you’ve got a couple of homies over at your apartment and one’s drinking out of a Grateful Dead tumbler, one’s got one of those trippy Slurpee collectible cups and the third’s got a glass you may or may not have swiped from the bar that one night … sounds like a real horror show.
This matching glassware set effectively erases this situation from existence and will keep that thought of “this person really needs to get their act together” out of your friends’ minds … which is priceless.
Floor Lamps
Let’s be real: those overhead lights you’ve got suck through and through — who wants to hang out at a spot where they feel like they’re in an interrogation room? Not us!
We’re gonna hit you with a twofer here … these floor and table lamps are gonna give your place that extra bit of zhush it desperately needs to keep your guests feeling comfy and willing to hang out any time, all the time.
Oh, and just in case you really wanna go the extra mile … some good LED bulbs never hurt.
We really hate to break it to you, champ, but you’re not in college anymore, and you probably need an actually reliable spot for your things — no more keeping your phone and keys on the floor next to your bed.
This bedside table‘s one of those little things that can make all the difference in your bedroom … it’s one place for everything you’re gonna need to get you through the day.
Tacks, double-sided tape, chewed-up gum … all of these might’ve been okay for hanging things on the wall back in the day, but you’re a grown-up now — and you’re probably gonna wanna keep all those posters from getting all messed up.
These picture frames are gonna take those posters and flyers you’ve got fixed to the wall and really elevate them to another level.
It’s really the little things that matter when you’re putting your place together … and we think these matching hangers are gonna bring a bit more harmony to your apartment than you might realize.
Those mismatched hangers you’ve got in your closet? Pop those guys in the donation bin, they’ve served their use for you … and get ready to actually feel like an adult.
A Proper Trash Can
No more exposed trash bags sitting in the corner for you — it’s time to upgrade to a real place to toss your garbage … one with an actual lid.
This trash can‘s sleek, fits in any corner, and has a fingerprint resistant finish, meaning you won’t smudge it too bad when you’re getting all your low-key improvements set up.
And if you really, really wanna take a walk down memory lane and embrace that college jankiness … go ahead, use it as a table when no one’s looking — we smile when we think about our glory days, too.
All prices and availability subject to change.
Entertainment
Campbell ‘Pookie’ Puckett and Husband Jett Expecting Baby No. 2
Fashion influencer Campbell ‘Pookie’ Puckett and her husband, Jett Puckett, are expecting their second child.
Campbell, 33, confirmed her pregnancy via an Instagram video shared on Sunday, February 22. “A dream come true. Baby number 2 coming soon @jettwpuckett,” the TikTok star captioned a sweet clip that showed her dressed in an embellished form-fitting white gown alongside Jett and the pair’s daughter, Paloma, 15 months.
The video, which confirmed that the child’s arrival is expected in “summer 2026,” showed the trio dancing and inspecting a string of sonogram images together. Other footage captured Jett, a corporate executive with his own social media following, kissing his wife and her belly before lounging in bed with his girls, all dressed in white bathrobes.
The couple have built a dedicated following after first documenting their lavish lifestyle across social media in 2024. What started as an outfit-of-the-day video series for Campbell soared further when she welcomed Paloma in November that year. Prior to the little girl’s arrival, Jett gifted Campbell a ritzy push present — a nude Craie Kelly 25 Epsom leather purse valued at approximately $34,500.
Just two months later, Campbell shared via TikTok that she was diagnosed with pre-cancer cells that resulted in surgery. Jett said via a TikTok video after her January 2025 surgery, “As a lot of you know, Pookie had some surgery about two weeks ago to remove some pre-cancer that we had known about for months. We got the results back from the doctor and the lab. They were able to confirm they got all of the pre-cancer out.”
The family were back to what they do best — sharing insight into their fancy lifestyle — in May that year with Jett sharing a Mother’s Day gifting moment via Instagram. “Pookie it is your first Mother’s Day, and it is officially time for your first Mother’s Day present,” he said in the May 2025 clip. “Paloma and I want you to know how much we appreciate you. You really are the best mom in the world. We got you a little something.”
Jett then presented Campbell with a David Yurman handbag filled with multiple boxes. As she pulled a necklace out of one box, Campbell declared that she loved the jewelry as Jett explained it was a David Yurman pave crossover design.
The jewelry is sold on the David Yurman website for as low as $5,950 with some styles priced up to $12,000. A second box revealed something from Paloma: matching David Yurman Pave crossover earrings, which range in price from $5,800 to $14,500.
In July 2025, the couple exclusively spoke to Us Weekly about their parenting journey, offering joint advice for first-time parents. “I would say just trust your intuition. Trust your gut,” Campbell told Us at the time. “Whatever you think is best for your child and your family is best. Get out the noise. Take out the noise from other people and just hone in on your child and your family, and you’re going to make the right decision.”
Jett added, “Just go for it. Go ahead and start making babies. That world needs more young people. It’s very, very special to be a parent and bring life into the world.”
Entertainment
Jacob Elordi Gives Wild Take On His Sex Scenes With Margot Robbie
The pair portrays the passionate love interests at the heart of the period romantic drama’s story. Since the film’s debut, their intimate moments have sparked widespread conversation, and Elordi has now described them as “super technical.”
Beyond their strong on-screen chemistry, Jacob Elordi also formed a close bond with Margot Robbie during filming, something the actress has credited to their shared Australian roots.
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The Actor Described The Raunchy Scenes With Margot Robbie As ‘Super Technical’

Following the theatrical debut of “Wuthering Heights,” its raunchy scenes have sparked plenty of conversation, especially given how much steamier they are compared to the classic novel that inspired the film.
Actor Jacob Elordi, who stars alongside Margot Robbie in the film, has shared his perspective on the intimate sequences, describing them as being more akin to choreographed fight scenes or dance routines.
“It’s like, ‘Action’ and it’s like a horse at the race track – straight out of the gates. It’s no different to choreographing a fight scene or a dance sequence,” the 28-year-old Hollywood star said in an interview.
The actor further described the scenes as “super technical” before sharing a specific example from the film.
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“It’s super technical, especially the scene where it’s not a sex scene, but where I’m on top [of Margot] with my hands – that’s choreographed because, in that kind of light, you only have so much space to move,” Elordi added. “So what you do has to fit in the frame and work with the lighting.”
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Jacob Elordi Recently Featured In A Sizzling Photoshoot Alongside His ‘Wuthering Heights’ Co-Star

In “Wuthering Heights,” Elordi takes on the role of Heathcliff, the passionate love interest of Catherine, portrayed by Margot Robbie.
Throughout the film, the duo displayed undeniable on-screen chemistry, which left fans buzzing with excitement over their sizzling performances.
The two recently reenacted those moments in a photoshoot at Brontë Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for what appeared to be an upcoming editorial.
On several occasions, they were seen leaning in close, exchanging laughs, and sharing playful moments that underscored just how comfortable they appear in each other’s company.
Their cozy interactions also seemed to captivate onlookers, who couldn’t help but stare as the stars posed for photos.
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For the seaside shoot, Elordi dressed for the occasion, wearing a casual red mesh-knit jumper and wide-leg belted jeans. He completed the laid-back look with sleek designer sunglasses.
Robbie, however, opted for a far more risque vibe, donning an off-white hue, corset-style ensemble that accentuated her long legs.
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Jacob Elordi Says He And Margot Robbie Truly Felt Their Characters’ Love On Set

Elordi also spoke about his character and Robbie’s in an interview with Fandango published last month.
He revealed that there were many moments during filming when he and his co-star could genuinely feel their characters’ love for each other.
“There’d be a moment where we’d be running hand-in-hand through the moors, maybe not even in the scene, just setting it up, where I’d look across at her, and she’d be looking at me, and you really realized you are looking at Catherine and she was looking at Heathcliffe,” the “Frankenstein” star said. “And in that moment, we really were a part of their love, for real.”
“You can almost imagine that the spirit of this love that Brontë created is sort of floating around there,” Elordi added, referencing Emily Brontë, who wrote the book that inspired the movie. “It really did feel like we were catching little pieces of that unrequited love.”
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Why The C0-Stars Closely Bonded While Filming ‘Wuthering Heights’

Given the on-screen chemistry between Elordi and Robbie, it is no surprise that conversations have arisen about whether there is more between them.
This was further fueled by the duo getting matching signet rings after filming, although some have dismissed it as a promotional move for the project.
Interestingly, it also appears that Elordi left flowers in his co-star’s dressing room on Valentine’s Day, which only further raised eyebrows about their off-screen chemistry and closeness.
Margot Robbie Hints At Their Australian Roots As The Reason For Their Close Bond

Whether there is more than meets the eye in relation to Robbie and Elordi remains unconfirmed, though the duo clearly share a close bond away from their characters.
On this, Robbie confirmed in an interview that it was their Australian roots that brought them closer.
“Yeah, it was certainly nice to work with someone who’s from somewhere so close to where I’m from,” she revealed about her co-star, Elordi.
Entertainment
Cam Jordan Believes Tyler Shough Can Be Saints’ Franchise QB
Cam Jordan
Tyler Shough Has a Bright Future
… Potential to be Saints’ Franchise QB!
Published
TMZSports.com
Tyler Shough made a helluva impression on not just Saints fans, but even their star players … so much so that Cam Jordan tells TMZ Sports he believes the rookie could be their franchise quarterback.
The New Orleans Saints have been searching for a new signal caller since Drew Brees retired …. and despite bringing in signal-callers like Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, and Derek Carr, they just haven’t found their guy.
Until now, potentially.
The Saints drafted Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the QB threw for 2,384 passing yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 games … something Jordan, the longtime Saints defensive end, says was a great showcase.
“I think with him, there could be a bright future,” Jordan said, “and hopefully he can continue to build upon that process that we showed last year.”
With high praise comes high pressure — especially for a young QB — but Jordan believes Shough simply has to “continue grinding, continue proving everybody who you think you are.”
With the quarterback having some experience under his belt, the 8x Pro Bowler thinks the Saints can return to the playoffs, emphasizing the goal is always to win it all, not just a few games (you’re about to catch a stray, NYJ).
“Ain’t nobody in the whole offseason, like man, I hope we just win three games. I’ll leave that to the Jets.”
Entertainment
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Daniel Ings on What George R.R. Martin Teased About Lyonel Baratheon’s Future
After six weeks at the tourney at Ashford Meadow, it’s finally time for Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) to move on. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms wrapped up its first season tonight with a funeral and the beginning of a new chapter for our heroes. Coming in after the violent Trial of Seven, which ultimately saw Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett) losing to Dunk, the finale focuses primarily on the aftermath and what happens now that Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel), the crowned prince, is dead. With the tourney winding down, Dunk is offered an opportunity by Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings) to return with him to Storm’s End. The scene not only reveals Dunk’s immense guilt for what happened to Baelor but also Lyonel’s deep disdain for the Targaryens, reminding us of the intrinsic rivalry between the two houses.
We spoke with Daniel Ings about his role in the newest Game of Thrones spin-off. Ings discussed how he harnessed Lyonel’s braggadocious attitude and what it took for him to portray a monumental character like Lyonel Baratheon. He discusses the Trial of Seven and where he thinks Lyonel gets his deep hate for the Targaryens from in the finale. He reveals conversations he had with showrunner Ira Parker about the character, as well as author George R.R. Martin, who teased Lyonel’s potential return in the future. For those who know the story, it’s a hopeful indication that we might see Ings again, though likely in the distant future should the series continue past three seasons.
Daniel Ings on How He Harnessed Lyonel Baratheon’s Attitude
“Yeah, I feel like there’s definitely a side to me that can be bombastic and in your face.”
COLLIDER: Your character, Lyonel Baratheon, is many things. He’s a singer, he’s a dancer, he’s a fighter, he’s got it all. He’s such a bombastic and bold character. Was that a role that came naturally to you, or was that something that you had to work on? Because his personality is very much in your face when you first meet him.
DANIEL INGS: I guess it did kind of come naturally. Yeah, I feel like there’s definitely a side to me that can be bombastic and in your face. It’s definitely something that I’m comfortable tapping into, and I enjoy that, particularly with dancing. Dancing was something that I used to be very self conscious about. And then when I was younger, that was a sort of choice, like a switch that I made to just choose not to be anymore. And me and my buddies used to do ironic dancing, that was my way in. We’d call it “ironic dancing,” particularly after Zoolander came out; we did dance-offs in the middle of some dance floor somewhere. At a certain point, I was like, actually, maybe I don’t need to do this ironically anymore, maybe I just enjoy this.
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Stars React to Dunk’s “Cinematic” Trial of 7 and Egg’s Guilt
The season finale for the six-episode series set in Westeros airs on HBO on Sunday, February 22nd.
I love that.
INGS: Yeah, fine. Fuck it, you know? I feel like I enjoy dance. I can’t sing, unfortunately. I’m a horrible singer. But again, I increasingly don’t really care that I’m not very good at it. You know what I mean?
To be fair, in the scene where you sing in the show, your character is drunk, so he doesn’t really need to be a great singer in that moment.
INGS: Exactly, I think, to that end, with all of those elements, this is a guy who, in a way, he doesn’t need to be able to do those things. He just needs to not care what anybody thinks, that’s the crucial thing. And that’s kind of liberating, if you can just let it go and to get to play someone who doesn’t really give a shit what people think, it means your focus doesn’t have to be on, technically, whether it’s good, it just has to be fun.
I think that came off perfectly. He definitely has, a sort of “I don’t give a fuck” energy, which I think everybody appreciates.
INGS: [laughs]
Daniel Ings Reveals a Behind-the-Scenes Moment With Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell
“Everyone was aware to protect this little dude because he is physically little, if more grown up than the rest of us.”
When you’re getting into the realm of Game of Thrones, you’re already toeing the line with what is appropriate for a kid to be exposed to. What was it like filming with Dexter [Sol Ansell] and seeing him work as a young actor?
INGS: He’s an incredibly clever and switched-on young guy. It’s really super easy to forget how young he is. He’s much smarter than me and has an incredible work ethic. He would quite happily be like, “Oh, your cup’s in the wrong hand there. You had it in the other hand. You switch it on this line.” It’s so easy to forget how young he is. He’s a really sort of fun and confident young man, incredibly impressive and much smarter than the rest of us, much like his character. So in a way, it was super easy. And also, he’s incredibly experienced, like — I think he’s 11 now — he was nine when we shot it. He’s done more stuff than any of the rest of us put together.
You’re conscious of it, although a lot of the stuff that I got to do with Dexter was pretty fun, like we were out there doing the tug of war. He did bang his head at one point because we were all doing celebrations, and Peter’s throwing him up in the air. And I remember, there was one day he hurt himself quite badly, I think he banged his head on Peter’s shoulder. And I had no idea that this had happened, and I come running in, ready to, like, jump on the two of them. And Peter, bless him, was like, “No! No! No! No!” So, everyone was aware to protect this little dude because he is physically little, if more grown up than the rest of us.
Daniel Ings Gets Into What It Was Like Filming Those Action Scenes in Armor
“…that sort of energy that you see in the Baratheon tent is replicated out on the field.”
There’s a lot of physicality that comes into playing this character, I can only imagine what it’s like having to wear the armor and that giant crown. What was it like preparing for those action scenes?
INGS: The action stuff, I have to give credit to the stunt guys, because they did so much of it. Once you see that big jousting sequence and the Trial of Seven, it’s so physically demanding, what’s expected of these characters, and the way that they shoot it. It would have been shit if I tried to do a load of that stuff. I did a fair bit of riding in it, and I’d done some riding before, so it was a little bit of training for that. We did some fight training, which, again, I’ve done a bit of before, but it’s always fun to brush up on that. The thing that I wanted to focus on with all of that was the fluidity of it, because this guy is an amazing warrior, but he’s also someone who takes great pleasure in the performance of being in that arena. Do you know what I mean? In the sport of it. He’s obsessed with the sport of it, and so, much like with the dancing, most of the preparation was around trying to make sure that, even with the stunt team, there was a kind of fluid and florid movement style with this character, that sort of energy that you see in the Baratheon tent is replicated out on the field.
To be honest, it was pretty tough. The helmet, which I wear at the end, which is incredible, and I fucking loved it, but it’s so hard. There was so many sequences where I wanted to show that he is this guy who is so excited and just delighted to be there, where everyone else is shitting themselves. He’s just like, “This is amazing!” This is his 50-year storm, and then to see the switch into mad dog as he pulls the helmet on. We did so many takes of it, because that thing… I’d put it on, and then we’d finish the take with, like, seven of us in a line, and it’s just flopping over to one side.
HBO Just Found Its Tyrion Replacement With This ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Character
This character is poised to become a fan-favorite of the new ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-off.
They should have kept that in. I feel like that would be kind of funny.
INGS: Yeah, he’s the Laughing Storm, like he doesn’t give a shit! So that was a lot of the preparation, and I mean, you can’t really tell, but I tried to kind of hit the weights beforehand, because I knew that this was going to be a physical job…
You were shirtless in one of those scenes. So maybe that helped the confidence levels there if it was intimidating?
INGS: [Laughs] Fuck it, yeah. Exactly. I mean, I’m not massively a gym guy, but, again, the thing about the Laughing Storm is, in the books there’s a big focus on his physicality. He’s a giant, and he’s physically imposing. But I think for for me, and for Ira [Parker], our showrunner, like, I think he would have loved it. He did say to me, at one point, he was like, “Can you just start eating bagels? I just wanted you to get like fat, like big.” But I just lost a ton of weight a year or two before. I was like, that’s not gonna happen.
But for me — and I think Ira kind of came on board with it — the thing that was more interesting was, there’s not much we can do to alter my height. I’m like 6′, 6’1″. We’re never going to get me up to 6’6″ without some giant platform shoes. But actually, the thing that’s more important is, to your point earlier, the sense of bigness in every other respect. You know what I mean? The voice and the unpredictability and the chaos and energy that he brings; that was more important than getting super jacked.
I can only imagine how turning your head must have been like with that helm on. You’d have to have a radius around you where people can’t stand near, lest you knock them out with the antlers.
INGS: Yeah, and then, plus, once you add in the shield, and then your lance in there. I mean, it’s a big radius.
Daniel Ings Reveals Where Lyonel Baratheon’s Anti-Targaryen Sentiment Comes From
“He is this party guy, but he does see everything.”
Talking about the Trial of Seven, at one point when Dunk goes to Lyonel to ask him to join him, Lyonel is like, “Oh yeah, this is a once in a lifetime situation. Obviously I’m going to take part in it.” And that’s the impression that we get, that he’s there for the glory of it. But I’m wondering if there’s something else in it, because obviously he and Dunk have formed a friendship that’s so unlikely. Is there a bit of that loyalty, of like, “Yeah, I’m gonna stand by you,” or is it more like, “Well, who would say no to this?”
INGS: I mean, I think it’s definitely both, but I think it would take a lot longer for him to let someone into that second part, right? Like he, for sure, is inspired by this young hedge knight, and inspired by his bravery and honor and his naivety, you know? So I think, ultimately, put it this way, I don’t think he could pick to fight on the other side, like for Lyonel Baratheon. And meeting this guy, Dunk, has just opened up the tourney for him. He does this shit all the time, and it’s fun, it’s like Glastonbury for him.
But then he meets this guy who reminds him that it’s about something bigger. I think it kind of kills two birds with one stone. So I think it’s true when he says, like, “There hasn’t been a Trial of Seven for 100 years. I’m not going to miss out. This is fucking awesome,” that I think is true, but it is also a convenient way to mask the inner context of what he’s saying, which is also like, “You’re awesome. You are the greatest thing that’s happened to this tourney. And, for sure, I’ll stand by your side.” When he says, “I knew you’d be trouble,” what he’s really saying is, “I knew you’d be fun.”
In the finale, we get a little bit deeper into Lyonel’s character, where he really shows a deep disdain for the Targaryens. I’m wondering if you talked with Ira about that? Or if it was in the script about where that dislike, and even hatred comes from?
INGS: Well, I think it’s a good point. We didn’t talk about it too much. I can’t remember if the line is still in it, but at one point, he sort of says, “The only good dragon is a dead dragon.” And, you know, there’s a complicated history between Lyonel’s heritage and the Targaryens, but I suppose it’s a general sort of anti-establishment feeling of animosity towards them, because they’re people in power, but their grip on power is slipping.
Lyonel says, at one point, war is coming, and it’s a little minute before it comes, but I think he can sense that this is a dynasty on the wane, and that tends to create violence and chaos. It’s like a dying dinosaur, the last gasp of a dying dinosaur. So, we actually didn’t talk too much about it, and, as you point out, it exposes a slightly deeper understanding with Lyonel. He is this party guy, but he does see everything. He’s an observer. He sees what these people are about, and the lack of honor in the Targaryens and the distinct sense of honor in Dunk.
Daniel Ings Reflects on George R.R. Martin’s Tease for Lyonel’s Future
“Us Baratheons, we’re rebellious folk, you know?”
I know that Season 2 is filming. Are you part of it, or has your chapter with the story ended for now?
INGS: I mean, I couldn’t possibly comment on Series 2, but I would love for audiences to get to see Lyonel Baratheon again. I’d love to play this guy again. He’s not in the second book or the third book.
That’s why I was curious.
INGS: As with the first, these series will be very faithful to George [R.R. Martin]’s writing. Actually I spoke to George one day on set. He came down and was like, [George R.R. Martin voice] “You know, your character comes back later on down the line.” And I’d done a little deep dive into the Westeros lore online, and you can find so much of the history that’s written even if these books haven’t necessarily been written yet, but, yeah, there’s some interesting story to tell further down the line with Lyonel and Dunk and Egg. But, you know, I have to wait and see if the story catches up to it, and if that story ever gets told, I’d be pumped.
I would love to see you back again, and I know the story he’s talking about.
INGS: Oh, cool! It’s fun, right?
Yeah, definitely. I love George’s world, and I’m always happy to see a version of it on screen.
INGS: Totally, me too. And us Baratheons, we’re rebellious folk, you know?
All episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 are now available to stream on HBO.
- Release Date
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January 18, 2026
- Network
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HBO
- Showrunner
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Ira Parker
- Directors
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Owen Harris
- Writers
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George R. R. Martin, Ira Parker
-
Peter Claffey
Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall
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