Australian radio host Jase Hawkins has revealed some odd moments he experienced with embattled comedian Russell Brand.

On Monday’s episode of KIIS 101.1’s Jase & Lauren, he detailed his memories when Brand was visiting Australia to promote his film, Get Him To The Greek.

Jase recounted how he was hosting the red carpet chat and afterparty at the time, but the British comedian didn’t turn up. 

‘He never rocked up at the after parties. Jonah Hill had to do it… The next day we were working at another radio station 2DAY FM in Sydney and Kyle and [Jackie O] were doing breakfast and he [Brand] rocked up… For the interview.’

Jase then described how Russell engaged with the staff when he got to the studio.

‘He sort of mozzied in and flirted a lot with the girls in the office. My wife was working there at the time. She was in the little kitchenette was making breakfast and popped in and was very, very flirtatious,’ Jase said. 

‘He would come in and give them little compliments but in that Russel Brand style. Not handsy.’

The breakfast radio host then told a story about the UK comedian locking himself in the office bathrooms.

According to Jase, Brand was in the bathroom for 20 minutes, posted his bodyguard outside the door to block anyone from going in, and missed his interview on the air.  

‘He eventually came out [of the bathroom]. He looked off his dial. This was the point that he said he was off booze and drugs, but it just didn’t not seem legit. I’m not saying guilty or innocent,’ the radio host said.

‘[The women that he flirted with] they laughed it off. That’s what I was saying to Lou [my wife] last night, we were talking about that… Everyone got caught up in this whole Russell Brand thing.’

Two weeks ago, Brand was accused anonymously by multiple women of serious allegations, including rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse. 

The comedian has denied the allegations on his popular YouTube channel, saying his relationships were ‘always consensual.’

The rest of Brand’s ongoing tour in the UK has been delayed, and his sponsors have chosen to distance themselves from him. 

Both the BBC and Channel 4 have removed content featuring the comedian from their streaming platforms.

The video platform YouTube has taken action against Brand’s channels, preventing them from earning revenue through advertisements due to a claimed violation of its ‘creator responsibility policy.’

YouTube stated that this suspension of monetisation applies to Brand’s account, which boasts 6.6 million subscribers, and is a result of ‘serious allegations against the creator.’ 

The Google-owned video service clarified that this decision extends to all channels associated with or run by Russell Brand.

In recent years, Brand has developed a large online following creating videos offering alternative views on media bias, Covid lockdowns, as well as corporate and governmental abuses of power. 

Four women have levelled accusations of sexual assault against Brand, spanning from 2006 to 2013, and a fifth individual later came forward with a claim dating back to 2003. 

None of Brand’s accusers have so far been publicly identified.

Ethnicity Awards is returning and scheduled to take place in London on November 2.

And MailOnline can exclusively reveal that TV presenter and comedian Judi Love will return again this year to host the awards.

The Loose Women star successfully hosted the 2022 awards after following in the footsteps of former celebrity hosts such as Alex Scott, Marvin Humes and Charlene White to lead prize-giving duties at the red-carpet extravaganza.

The Ethnicity Awards is the biggest Black, Asian and minority red carpet ceremony in Britain and is held in partnership with HSBC, celebrating the leading activists, allies and celebrities in the UK and globally. 

Nominees this year include Lewis Hamilton, Rochelle Humes, Gok Wan and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Speaking about her return to host to the event Judi said: ‘I am so excited to return to host the 2023 Ethnicity Awards. 

‘The event last year was amazing, and it is so inspiring to see the talent in the room and the real change people are making.

‘The Ethnicity Awards celebrates the role models and those advancing opportunities for underrepresented people across the world.

‘I am honoured to be part of the occasion again and can’t wait to see all the winners!’

Judi is loved by the nation for her honest opinions and hilarious anecdotes and the founder of the awards Sarah Garrett, MBE, expressed their happiness that Judi was back for another year.

She said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to confirm Judi Love will return to host the Ethnicity Awards 2023.

‘Judi contributed to a memorable evening 12 months ago and everyone associated with the awards is delighted she is back.

‘As ever, the Ethnicity Awards shine a light on those standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

‘Judi brings an incredible level of poise, entertainment and humour to one of the most important dates in the calendar.’

It is set to be an incredible evening with Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton nominated for his unparalleled career in the sport and his unwavering support to charity. 

The star, who spoke out earlier this year about the ‘traumatising’ racism he suffered in school from the age of six, donated an estimated more than £20 million to charitable causes in 2022.

Pop star turned TV presenter Rochelle Humes is also tipped to win big as is legendary broadcaster and fashion guru Gok, who away from the media spotlight has championed causes to promote equality, partially for LGBT+ people from minority communities.

Meanwhile 2023 British Eurovision star Mae Muller has been shortlisted in the Music Artist category. 

The singer has previously responded to anti-semitism in the music industry, posting to Instagram: ‘To all my Jewish friends and followers, I love you. There is no place for antisemitism in this world. I’m very proud of my Jewish roots and so should you [be].’

Ethnicity Awards partner HSBC added: ‘HSBC UK is incredibly proud to be a long-time partner of the Investing in Ethnicity Awards, recognising people and organisations making a positive impact on diversity, equity and inclusion across the UK.

‘Within our own organisation, we continue to take action to increase representation, remove barriers and help open up opportunities for all our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve.

‘Congratulations and good luck to all the incredible role models and change makers nominated this year.’

Previous Ethnicity Award winners include Marcus Rashford, Naomi Campbell, Sadiq Khan and Jade Thirlwall.

Sunrise host Natalie Barr rips into the Big Four Aussie banks: Here’s how they are giving YOU a raw deal as they make millions

• Major banks to crop grilling in parliament this week
• CEO’s of Westpac, NAB, ANZ and CBA to front the inquiry
• Banks to be grilled over interest rates for savings accounts

By Olivia Day For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 22:13 EDT, 11 July 2023 | Updated: 02:51 EDT, 12 July 2023

Sky News host Peter Stefanovic slams Prince Harry for ‘hanging his brother William out to dry’ after the Duke trashed family in explosive memoir

By Mary Mrad For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 21:33 EDT, 20 June 2023 | Updated: 21:33 EDT, 20 June 2023

Pat Sajak says he is retiring from Wheel of Fortune after more than four decades.

‘Well, the time has come,’ the popular host, 76, said in a tweet Monday. ‘I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.

He continued: ‘It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)’

A tweet from the long-running game show read: ‘Thank you to the best host in the biz. Wheel of Fortune would not be what it is today without you, Pat. Looking forward to Season 41 being better than ever!’ 

According to iMDb Monday, Sajak has hosted 7748 episodes of the nighttime edition of the series to date from 1983–2023.

Sajak’s longtime costar on the popular game show, Vanna White, 66, had not yet addressed his departure from the series on her Instagram or Twitter accounts as of Monday afternoon.

Suzanne Prete, the executive vice president of game shows for Sony Pictures Television, issued a statement saying, ‘As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years.

‘We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season.’

Prete said that Sajak ‘has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting,’ adding, ‘We’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family!’ 

Sajak has hosted the nighttime edition of the show with White since 1983. He got his start as host of the daytime series beginning in 1981, exiting that edition to host his own late night series in 1989. The daytime edition was canceled in 1991.

He has been been nominated for Daytime Emmys 22 times for his hosting efforts on the series and its spinoffs, winning three times. In 2011, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on the TV staple. 

Sajak has been a consistent presence on the long-running series over the duration of his four decades at the helm, rarely missing a show.

In an instance in November of 1996 when he was battling laryngitis, he and White swapped duties for the episode.

He had to take a break from taping in November of 2019 when he had to undergo an emergency intestinal surgery, with White filling in as host.

He hinted at his nascent departure from the series speaking with Entertainment Tonight in September, saying, ‘Years go by fast. We’re getting near the end. We’re not gonna do this for another 40 years. The end is near.’

Sajak is father to two adult children with wife Lesly Brown – son Patrick, 32, and daughter Maggie, 28.

Sajak was hailed by a number of fans in response to his announcement. 

‘We’ll miss ya! Happy retirement!’ one fan wrote, while another said, ‘First ballot hall of famer. Induct Pat everywhere!’

Another fan shared the warm words, ‘Always a classic icon in my house of wonderfully dry wit and laughter. Shaped TV in a massive way!

‘Thanks for 42 fantastic years. Congrats, hope retirement is everything and then some for you.’

Said another fan, ‘Things aren’t gonna be the same without you at the helm but it’s been an amazing run.’ 

Today Show host Karl Stefanovic delivered a cheeky blow to outgoing Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch on Wednesday, after his shock resignation. 

Karl, 48, jokingly told guests at a lavish media event at Sydney‘s Crown this week: ‘To be honest, I’m glad he’s gone.’

Karl made the playful joke while paying tribute to the TV veteran, 67, whose last Sunrise show will be on Friday. 

A handful of TV stars including Karl, Kochie, Natalie Barr and Samantha Armytage were all in attendance at the Crown x Vivid Sydney event on Wednesday.

Kochie revealed he was leaving Sunrise last Monday after 21 years and will be replaced by former Olympic athlete Matt Shirvington, 44. 

According to Sky News, Karl credited Kochie for paving the way for him and many others in the TV industry.

‘He pulls up stumps at the end of this week and I just want to pay my respects to him on what a wonderful career it has been,’ Karl said. 

‘It has been an extraordinary one for 21 years. He’s got up with the bakers and the road workers; and he has crunched it out across the nation.

‘That can’t be underestimated the impact he has had. He’s changed the whole way that breakfast news and TV is done in this country, and has allowed someone like me, a loose unit, to come along and also do the same for however long I do it for.’

On Tuesday, Kochie revealed he had received a ‘wonderful’ message from his breakfast TV rival Karl after announcing he was leaving Sunrise.

‘Thank you to everyone who has been so lovely. Unbelievable messages,’ he said. 

‘A wonderful, classy, respectful one from Karl Stefanovic. It was so nice, really adored that one but so many great messages.’

Kochie also told Daily Mail Australia on Monday he received a text message from one from his longtime co-hosts Melissa Doyle.

‘I’ve just glanced, because I’ve got lots of messages, I saw one from Mel and I’m sure there will be a whole bunch of others in the list but I’ve been talking to lots of journos and doing interviews,’ he said.

Kochie stunned his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years.

Behind the scenes photos show his co-hosts Natalie Barr, Edwina Bartholomew and Mark Beretta overcome with emotion in between breaks in filming.

During his on air announcement, Natalie looked heartbroken when Kochie said he had spent more time with her over the past few years than with members of his own family.

He said he was leaving the hit show to focus on his own businesses and to enjoy more flexible work hours to spend time with his growing family.

Kochie joined Sunrise to present finance reports in 2002 and in October that year became Chris Reason’s replacement when the journalist was diagnosed with cancer.

Shirvington, 44, said he was feeling ‘mixed emotions’ about the new gig as he joined Barr and Koch on the couch for the announcement.

‘Just amazing. Daunted. So excited. Happy. Cannot tell you the honour and privilege this is, Kochie, particularly. A huge job. A huge job. And an exciting job,’ he said.

Both Kochie and Barr said they were thrilled with the choice.

‘What we do always is when you’re a member of the family, you stay a member of the family, don’t you. And you come through. And you’ve been fantastic filling in and every Friday, it’s been sensational. You are going to been sensational. You are going to be the perfect fit,’ Koch said.

‘I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise,’ Koch said on air about his resignation.

‘I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people, and to cover so many moments of history in the making.’

Seven West Media Chairman, Kerry Stokes said: ‘I will personally miss David, as he is a thorough professional and a wonderful human being, particularly in the manner he has mentored so many Seven people.’

Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer James Warburton added in a statement: ‘All good things come to an end, and I admire and respect his decision to step away from Sunrise while he’s at the top of his game.’

Matt Shirvington was proud as punch on Saturday morning when he supported his son Lincoln during his soccer game in North Manly.

The legendary sprinter-turned-television presenter, who is set to replace David Koch as the new co-host of Sunrise, stood on the sidelines and watched his five-year-old kick the ball across the field.

Shirvo, 44, kept warm on the misty morning, wearing beige chinos and a white T-shirt that was covered with a navy jumper.

He layered his look with a black hooded coat and stood in a pair of white sneakers while carrying his son’s jumper during play.

The current fill-in host and sports presenter was incredibly supportive of Lincoln as he crouched down to share some coaching tips, give him a hug of appreciation as well as a high-five.

Shirvo was also seen chatting with a number of the other proud parents on the sideline.

The father-of-three shares daughters Sienna, 16, Winnie, 14, and son Lincoln with his wife Jessica, who he married after meeting when they were just 17 years old.

It comes just a few days after Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed Shirvo will be crowned as Kochie’s successor after a three-year plan to prepare him for the top job. 

They revealed he will have his role made official on Monday, June 5, four days before Kochie films his final show as Sunrise host.

The new appointment follows a carefully curated training process for the popular television presenter who is widely liked by Seven’s top executives and viewers.

It’s understood Kochie himself has given Shirvo his ‘blessing’.

‘David believes Matt is a great fit and thinks he will do a fantastic job,’ an insider told Daily Mail Australia.

‘He’s been filling in for David for a few years now and has earned his stripes. Viewers like him and he is very well-regarded internally so it’s a natural step up for him.’

Shirvo was earmarked for the job back in 2020 when he took part in Seven’s Olympic coverage team – a role he carried well in the delayed Games in 2021 and one that inevitably earned him his ‘hosting stripes’.

He also cut his teeth with hosting roles on the the mini-golf games show Holey Moley and Ultimate Tag which, while not a hit in the ratings, provided more evidence he had the ‘chops’ to handle a major format.

Shirvo, who has spent the past two years waiting in the wings as Sydney’s weekend sports presenter, will soon begin the daily 3am wake-up call slog – one of several factors which ultimately led to Kochie’s decision to step down after 21 years.

The 67-year-old TV legend shared the news of his decision first with Sunrise viewers and staff during Monday morning’s show.

‘I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise,’ Koch said on air.

‘I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people, and to cover so many moments of history in the making.’

Seven West Media Chairman, Kerry Stokes said: ‘I will personally miss David, as he is a thorough professional and a wonderful human being, particularly in the manner he has mentored so many Seven people.’

Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer James Warburton added in a statement: ‘All good things come to an end, and I admire and respect his decision to step away from Sunrise while he’s at the top of his game.’

Shirvington has what it takes to out-rate rival Karl Stefanovic according to an industry expert who thinks the former Aussie sprint star is more ‘relatable’. 

As Kochie readies himself for retirement after an epic 21-year reign, attention has now turned to whether or not ‘Shirvo’ can continue Sunrise’s ratings win over Today.

A former Olympian, network darling and audience favourite – he will take over from Koch and push for a 19th consecutive ratings victory when he assumes the hosting gig in June.

Not surprisingly the industry is abuzz with speculation about whether or not ‘Shirvo’ and co-host Natalie Barr have what it takes to retain Koch’s loyal fanbase and withstand a fresh attack from Today’s hosting combination of Stefanovic and Sarah Abo.

Kyle Sandilands doesn’t look like this anymore! KIIS FM host looks unrecognisable with a ripped and bronzed physique in a series of wild transformation photos

By Chloe-lee Longhetti For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 20:13 EDT, 30 May 2023 | Updated: 20:22 EDT, 30 May 2023

Ron DeSantis hosted Gold Star and military families, veterans and victims of 9/11 for a Memorial Day BBQ on Sunday where they shared with the Florida governor frustrations with Donald Trump hosting the same weekend a Saudi Arabian-funded golf tournament.

The Navy veteran and his wife and Florida first lady Casey DeSantis had 500 people at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee and made time for a more than hour-long conversation with families of those who lost loved-ones in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The 2024 candidate also delivered remarks in Jacksonville, Florida on Monday honoring the fallen.

Meanwhile, the former president was hosting at Trump National in Sterling, Virginia – just outside of Washington, D.C. – the LIV golf tournament, which is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia. 

DeSantis met on Sunday with eight families who lost loved ones in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and heard from those upset that Trump held the tournament.

Brett Eagleson, who was 15 when he lost his father in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11, said that he appreciated DeSantis hearing their concerns and was disappointed in the former president.

‘We shared with [DeSantis] our past dealings with President Trump and we just laid out what a stark contrast it was between what he was doing that day; hosting Gold Star family members, members from the 9/11 community and active members of the Military at the Florida governor’s House. Compare that to what a former president is doing that same weekend; right outside the Pentagon, he’s hosting the Saudis in a Saudi-funded golf tournament,’ Eagleson, 37, detailed to DaillyMail.com.

‘But just think that, you know, that stark contrast doesn’t need more explanation as to how DeSantis feels versus how Trump feels,’ he added. ‘So I thought it was really powerful and it sent a significant message as to where the Governor’s priorities are at least.’

Eagleson is president of the organization 9/11 Justice and has spent seven years fighting for more information about Saudi Arabia’s alleged role in the attacks.

He confirmed to DailyMail.com that the families in the meeting Sunday shared with DeSantis how they felt about Trump’s golf tournament – and said that DeSantis seemed willing to meet with the group in the future.

‘I brought that up personally,’ Eagleson said. ‘I wanted him to be aware of that.’

‘Kudos to you, Mr. Governor for hosting us and Goldstar families on Memorial Day, honoring the lives of the people that give their lives for this country while President Trump is hosting a Saudi funded golf tournament.’

DeSantis lamented that the families are still scouring for answers more than two decades after the terrorist attack.

‘They’ve had a lot of frustration about getting justice based on the 9/11 attacks,’ DeSantis told Fox and Friends on Monday morning. ‘They’re suing Saudi Arabia, they’re trying to get more documents.’

‘They’ve been made promises in the past about getting help, and then, basically, some of our elected leaders have reneged on those promises,’ the governor added. ‘And so, I think that they’ve been punched in the gut a number of times. And I think it’s been difficult to now be two decades later and still trying to get full justice.’

Ron, Casey and their three children – Madison, five, Mason, four, and Mamie, two – appeared for a BBQ celebration honoring fallen service members in Tallahassee, Florida on Sunday.

The family mingled with the 500 guests before the Florida first couple leaves for Iowa this week to start the governor’s first campaign swing to early primary states after announcing his 2024 Republican presidential primary run last week.

DeSantis’ campaign kick-off will start in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday and continue in four more cities in the first-in-the-nation primary contest state on Wednesday.

He and Casey will then head to New Hampshire for a four-city swing on Thursday, followed by the final stop in South Carolina on Friday.

Before taking off for the midwest, Gov. DeSantis delivered three-minute remarks at the Veterans Memorial Ceremony in Jacksonville.

World-renowned musical heritage… and more pubs than you can shake a drumstick at: Why Liverpool is the perfect host city for Eurovision

By James March For The Daily Mail

Published: 03:53 EDT, 11 May 2023 | Updated: 03:53 EDT, 11 May 2023