WhatsOnTV.co.uk – 21st February, 2014

Richard E Grant he feels he is taking a huge gamble by launching his own perfume.

The 56-year-old actor has produced unisex fragrance Jack, inspired by the British Union Flag and his love of smells.

Richard revealed: “It’s self-financed, self-made, everything, it’s been my passion for two years, it’s a big gamble.

“There are 1,100 perfumes released every year, so it’s like an old guy releasing a record and hoping people are going to buy it. But it’s really good.”

The Withnail And I star – who recently joined the cast of Downton Abbey – explained how designer Anya Hindmarch inspired him to make his own scent.

He said: “I’ve obsessively smelt everything all my life.

“Anya Hindmarch, the handbag designer, saw me with my head in a gardenia bush in the Caribbean two years ago, and she said, ‘Are you going to do something about that?’

“And I said, ‘What, psychiatrically?’ and she said, ‘No, make a perfume.’ So I have done.”

enstarz.com – 19th February, 2014

By Sam Machado

It looks like the fifth season of Downton Abbey has begun filming and one of the new characters gave some details on what audiences are about to see.

On Saturday, Richard E. Grant tweeted some posts and photos of what’s to come. He first wrote, “First day of DOWNTON ABBEY duty. Was down in GOSFORD PARK. Been promoted upstairs. Progress? Will wait and see.”

Not too long after that, he posted a photo of what could possibly be part of the set. The photo shows a path that leads down to trees with a bench on the right side.

“Path down to the Thames from the top of Richmond Hill,” Grant wrote. “Here comes the sun , da da da daaaah.'”

Grant then posted a photo of a black glove with a tag that has his name written across. The tag is written as “‘Downton’ Richard E. Grant.”

“Must be true ‘cos they’ve got my name on it,” Grant captioned the photo.

The gloves could have some importance to the next season or perhaps, they could just be a part of Grant’s costume.

Grant will be making an appearance with the Downton cast as a guest of the Crawley family named Simon Bricker.

Other actors who are set for a part in the next season include Anna Chancellor as Lady Anstruther and Rade Sherbedgia as a Russian refugee.

“We are delighted to welcome these talented actors to the world of Downton,” executive producer Gareth Neame said. “The characters they play are set to bring yet more excitement and intrigue to the show.”

REG accepted an award at the 2014 ELLE Style Awards, but it wasn’t his to keep. British actor Tom Hiddleston won ELLE Man of the Year, which took place at One Embankment in London on Tuesday 18th February 2014, but he was unable to attend the ceremony and instead compiled a video message to accept the accolade.

The video started with Tom – who plays Loki in the Thor film franchise – struggling to know what to say and he needed several takes before he started speaking properly, but he went on to thank fellow actor Richard E. Grant, who was due to present him with the prize.

While sporting a plaster on his head in the clip, he said: “Man of the Year … I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve it? Thank you to the great Richard E. Grant for being there for me and being there in my stead. Hey Richard, has anyone ever told you you look like Loki’s dad?”

Richard then accepted the award on Tom’s behalf.

Kate Middleton played the part of special host to celebrities at a star-studded reception at Buckingham Palace.

Dressed in a radiant red Alexander McQueen pleated dress, which she wore to the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in June 2012, Kate was all smiles as she welcomed the guests.

The Queen opted for a sapphire and diamond brooch of Queen Victoria, which she wore over a glittery blue dress.

The Duchess of Cambridge, along with the Queen, greeted some of the A-list stars such as Helen Mirren, Cate Blanchett, Richard E Grant and Joan Collins at the royal reception held to honour the dramatic arts.

“It’s such a privilege, such an honour. I am chuffed and overwhelmed. It’s so beautiful. I had to remind myself not to trip because you can be taken in by the beauty of the place. I had never met the Queen before and now I have,” Thurman said, according to the Express.

ABOVE: REG posted a pic on Twitter, stating “Driving into Buckingham palace
for reception to meet the Queen with fellow actors. REAL DOWNTON.”

The gala took place a day after the 2014 Bafta awards ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House, where Prince William presented fellowship award to Dame Helen Mirren.

At the reception, Mirren joked to Kate Middleton: “Your husband called me granny last night,” to which the Duchess giggled and replied: “I know.”

“”How delightful she was. Very sweet,” Helen Mirren said about Kate Middleton.”
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The veteran English actress described Kate as “delightful” and “very sweet.”

About 250 guests including actors, directors, producers, playwrights and teachers attended the royal reception, held in honour of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (Rada), of which the Queen is patron.

This was Kate’s first engagement with Rada.

The Queen and Catherine also joined the guests for a series of performances in the Palace’s ballroom at the end of the reception.

The Duchess of Cambridge greets actor Richard E Grant and actress Joan Collins.

Here are some pictures of REG at the 2014 Autumn/Winter London Fashion Week Creative London Party, hosted by the British Fashion Council, British Academy of Film and Television Arts and The British Recorded Music Industry at Spencer House, London, on Monday 17th February 2014.

Representing the world of film as well as Mr Weinstein, was actor Richard E. Grant who has recently been announced as a new cast member in Downton Abbey having made a few guest appearances in Lena Dunham’s girls as a recovering drug addict in rehab.

Richard later rubbed shoulders with a few other royals at Buckingham Palace where Her Majesty the Queen was holding a reception with the Duchess of Cambridge.

Lucky guy: Richard E. Grant with models Daisy Lowe and Poppy Delevingne