Glow Up is back, and Thunderbolts* hits cinemas: What's coming up this week

This week is shaping up to be an exciting one for fans of entertainment, as BBC Three's popular show 'Glow Up' makes its return. This reality competition features a fresh group of talented make-up artists who are vying for the title of Britain's next make-up star. Hosted by the charismatic model Leomie Anderson, the show challenges contestants to showcase their creativity and skills through various tasks and challenges. I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek of the new season, and I can assure you that the contestants are thrown into the deep end right from the start. They will be working on high-profile projects, including assisting on the set of HBO's fantasy drama series 'House of The Dragon' and collaborating on a music video with the band Nova Twins. Judge Val Garland expressed her excitement about the talent this season, stating that viewers should 'expect the unexpected. ' The winner of 'Glow Up' will receive a fantastic prize: a contract to assist some of the world's leading make-up artists, which could be a game-changer for their careers. In addition to 'Glow Up', Marvel fans have something to look forward to as the highly anticipated film 'Thunderbolts' hits cinemas this Friday. Early reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising actress Florence Pugh for her portrayal of the assassin Yelena Belova. Film critic Matt Neglia described the movie as 'some of Marvel's darkest material to date,' highlighting Florence's performance as a standout. He noted that she carries much of the dramatic weight of the film, which adds depth to the story. In 'Thunderbolts', Yelena embarks on a perilous mission to confront the shadows of her past, teaming up with a group of superheroes that includes Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker. Fans are also curious about the meaning behind the asterisk in the film's title, which has sparked discussions online. Another exciting release this week is the black comedy mystery sequel 'Another Simple Favour', which will be available on Prime Video starting Thursday. This film reunites characters Stephanie Smothers, played by Anna Kendrick, and Emily Nelson, portrayed by Blake Lively, as they come together on the picturesque island of Capri for Emily's lavish wedding to a wealthy Italian businessman. However, amidst the stunning scenery and glamorous guests, dark secrets of murder and betrayal lurk just beneath the surface. There have been rumors of a feud between the two A-list co-stars, but recent sightings of them laughing and posing together at a London screening have helped to quell those speculations. Meanwhile, Blake Lively is also facing a separate dispute with her former co-star Justin Baldoni, with both parties denying the allegations made in lawsuits. Music enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that singer-songwriter Samantha Crain is set to release her seventh album, titled 'Gumshoe'. This album, which has been in the works for the past three years, is filled with beautiful melodies and heartfelt anthems. Samantha shared that her journey of writing this album was influenced by her unexpected experience of falling in love. She reflected on her past as a 'lone wolf' and how she learned to embrace vulnerability and connection in her relationships. One of the standout tracks, 'Dragonfly', captures the essence of love, while another song, 'Melatonin', addresses her partner's struggles with addiction. Samantha's music is known for its poetic clarity and emotional depth, and she hopes that her new album will resonate with listeners. This week is packed with exciting releases across various forms of entertainment. Don't miss the return of 'Glow Up', the cinematic debut of 'Thunderbolts', the intriguing sequel 'Another Simple Favour', and Samantha Crain's new album. Additionally, there are other noteworthy shows and films premiering, such as 'Trump: The First 100 Days' on BBC One, 'P Diddy: The Rise and Fall' on BBC Three, and 'My Next Breath', a memoir by Jeremy Renner. Be sure to check out these new offerings and enjoy the vibrant world of entertainment!