IF you thought that Jamie Dornan flogging Diet Coke and Jack Grealish shifting mayo were strange celebrity endorsements, Uber has gone one better.
It has ditched Robert De Niro and hired Succession actor Brian Cox as the face of a new campaign, which is trying to encourage students and pensioners to book rides.
9
But given many students and OAPs have to watch the pennies, I think Uber has its work cut out.
Insiders told me Brian, who played billionaire media tycoon Logan Roy in the comedy drama, filmed his adverts for the campaign in London last week, with Uber’s marketing team high-fiving each other for the booking.
A source said: “Uber loves to get a big-hitter on board.
“DeNiro was amazing last year but they think that Brian is a genius celebrity to sign up.
“Most Brits know his face and he was excellent in Succession, so hav- ing him sign on the dotted line is a real coup for Uber. Brian is totally on brand too, and he delivers some great one-liners.
“As far as ads go, it’s very clever but whether they will be able to get OAPs in the back of their cars is another thing.”
Personally I am a massive fan of Sky’s Succession and Brian flexed his acting chops to his best in the series, which ended after its fourth season last year.
Given he’s got some time on his hands now, I’m not surprised Brian is keen to make some more cash.
As well as signing this big-money deal with Uber, last week he was unveiled as the face of a new campaign to warn us all about the perils of desk work — which apparently negatively affects our stress levels.
No s**t, Sherlock.
Dua’s got it shorted
DUA LIPA was determined to Dance The Night away as she performed on stage in Texas.
The New Rules singer wowed fans at Austin City Limits Music Festival in this red two-piece and heels.
9
Dua will kick off her world stadium tour in Singapore next month in what will be the biggest global trek of her career – but not before a special farewell concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall this week.
She won’t play on home turf until next June, when her stadium tour reaches the UK with two sold- out shows at Wembley Stadium, and a further two gigs at Anfield in Liverpool.
I’m told Dua has quietly started work on her fourth album after returning to the studio earlier this year.
Before then, she is tipped to release a bumper edition of her latest album, Radical Optimism.
I bet fans can’t wait to hear what she has been cooking up in the studio.
Grande send-up
ARIANA GRANDE put on a Wicked performance as she hosted Saturday Night Live over the weekend.
She was joined by Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks to front the primetime US TV show.
9
9
Ari did impressions of stars including Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus.
House comedians James Austin Johnson and Sarah Sherman snuck in a segment mocking Oasis brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher for their fractious bond.
But the skit didn’t go down too well with Liam.
Taking to X, he branded it “excruciating to watch”.
That’s them struck off Liam’s Christmas card list.
Bob back at white?
THE line-up for next year’s Isle Of Wight festival is confirmed, with Sting and Stereophonics on the bill.
But I can reveal organisers are desperate to get Bob Dylan to return for a surprise appearance in 2026.
9
The folk and rock legend famously snubbed playing at Woodstock to accept original festival organiser Ray Foulk’s invitation to headline his unknown event, putting it on the map, back in 1969.
Now plans are in place to convince Bob to come back.
A source said: “It would be a real coup to get Bob to return to the festival.
“It is not the first time efforts have been made to bring Bob ‘home’ but there is hope he will finally say yes.
Original organiser Ray remains on good terms with Bob’s management and working with new boss John Giddings he has previously tried to book Bob to headline.
Although talks got close, they could never reach a deal to get it over the line.
Now, there is a renewed confidence that Bob’s stance is softening and that he will do it in 2026 before it’s too late – or before Emily Eavis can finally convince him to perform during Glastonbury.
The source added: “There is real belief at IOW that they can get Bob for 2026.
“There is no Glastonbury Festival happening that year because they are allowing the fields a rest – a headline slot at Isle of Wight would mean that Glastonbury would likely never happen.”
Stephen lost with no specs factor
STEPHEN MERCHANT says that nobody recognises him if he takes off his trademark specs – and laser eye surgery to correct his vision hasn’t stopped him wearing glasses anyway.
He is a household name after starring in hit shows such as Extras, An Idiot Abroad and The Outlaws.
9
During a comedy set in London, Stephen explained: “I had eye surgery. You’re probably wondering why I’m still wearing glasses.
“It did go well, but I am wearing these for two reasons.
“One, I was genuinely worried that if I wasn’t wearing the glasses, you wouldn’t know who I was.
“And also, if you haven’t seen me without glasses, it’s quite something to just throw at people.
“My father said I look like what you’d draw if you were playing Pictionary and the card said, ‘Giant paedo’. Thanks Dad.”
At least he’s got a sense of humour about it.
Tom: I get terrors like Lewis
TOM WALKER says he has nothing but compassion for Lewis Capaldi when it comes to stage fright.
He tells me despite loving his job and not being a regular on the showbiz circuit, things can get a bit on top of him at times.
9
Tom said in an exclusive chat: “I have met Lewis a couple of times and he’s lovely. I have asked after him and I wish him all the best and hope he’s back doing whatever he wants to do when he’s ready.
“I can completely understand. It can be terrifying doing gigs. The schedule can be crazy.
“Lewis got so big so fast. He broke America and was huge internationally, so I can’t even imagine what his schedule was like.”
It’s good to see they are looking out for one another.
Major steps
STEPS’ IAN “H” WATKINS cried ahead of the band’s musical Here & Now launching in Birmingham next month.
On seeing rehearsals, he said: “It was overwhelming when we got to see the cast on their feet for the very first time, singing our songs. It was very emotional.”
The musical tells the story of shop workers on a summer of love, set to Steps’ tunes.
Wives to return for King
THE MILITARY WIVES CHOIR are to reunite in celebration of King Charles.
I can reveal the group will release a new song on his birthday, November 14.
9
Once again, the track will help raise money for charity, and no doubt be a favourite for the Christmas No1.
Guided by Gareth Malone, the group already have two UK festive No1 singles under their belt, from 2011 and 2012.
A source revealed: “The wives are hoping to rally the nation around the King after such a tough year.
“The track will be announced in the coming weeks but it has already been recorded and the video shot.
“Hopefully it will give them a hat-trick come Christmas Day.”
We’re right behind you, ladies.