THE DAILY NEWS
SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE
Backstage feud threatens Britain's Best New Band.
25 August 2020
It looks like it's not just the bands who are wanting to take centre stage this year. Our showbiz insider tells us that Dan Trent, last year's solo presenter, is becoming increasingly frustrated at being pushed to one side while TV favourite Harley Davies gets more filming time as they record the heats for Britain's Best New Band.
It's a step into the spotlight for Harley, who rose to popularity as the only female presenter of Ride On, the show for motorcycle enthusiasts.
"He's livid." Our mole says. "He's being treated like a support act after being the main attraction."
Our mole went on to add that it's hard not to warm to and admire Harley, 26. "Her smile is infectious. She's just so nice and has the most dazzling blue eyes. Everyone loves her. Dan is threatening to walk out if he's not given the largest share of the co-presenting time."
You heard it here first folks.
Will Dan survive through to the live finals?
Stacey
The acts had been sent to six separate rooms to await the judge's verdicts. Four of the six rooms housed winning bands that would go on to the live finals. Two rooms full of acts would be sent home. The live finals started in a month's time. The show had already begun on TV, and audiences were catching up with the audition rounds.
My throat was dry. This was it. Either my usual life or the live finals was my future. In one month's time I could be singing live on television with my band and be one of twenty acts battling it out for a million pound recording contract.
Whether we won or not, life could change from that first live show. There were plenty of finalists who'd gone on to amazing things, sometimes better than even the winning acts.
"Okay, everyone. The Judges are going live." We were informed.
Me and the rest of the band members held each other's hands.
The judges were sitting in a room in front of a table with photos in front of them of the thirty acts who had got this far.
Bill was the first to talk.
"Okay, so my team is up first. We've been battling it out behind the scenes deciding who would get which room. I'd like to congratulate this room who are now Team Bill." A countdown appeared on the screen moving from the numbers five down to one and then the camera focused on room one, the room containing The Paranormals. I watched as the room erupted into screams and shouts of delight and I saw the four guys hug each other.
Noah was through to the live finals.
Marianne picked her room next as room five cheered and whooped. Donna squeezed my hand as the first room to be sent home was about to be announced.
"We'll be okay." She said.
And we were that time, as room two became a scene of devastation as dreams were crushed.
Maxwell was next and he choose room six.
There were just two rooms left and one of those rooms was the winning one. I felt sick inside as the time passed, and they dragged out the announcement of the winning room.
Room three.
We were in room four. Three of my coven sisters burst into loud sobs as they realised our dream was over. There was just an awful silence in the room, other than weeping. The emptiness of misery and shock.
We weren't through.
It was over.
We had to go home.
The cameras who had been showing room three's joy suddenly panned back and there we were on screen. Devastated entrants about to go home, dreams destroyed.
And then it panned back to the judges and Carmela was sat pouting.
"What's up with you?" Maxwell said.
"I'm not happy with one of my bands. There's another group I wanted, but someone," she side-eyed Bill, "put them in one of the losing rooms."
Ears perked up all around our room. Was there a chance for one of the losing bands after all? "I'm sorry, but I'm having six final bands and we can lose two at the first live round. I'm going to go get my other act."
She left the room and a discussion ensued between the other three judges and I realised then that this was part of the act, part of the hooks to entice viewers. It was all a ploy.
Carmela burst into our room. Cameras following her every move.
"I've come to claim my final act." She announced. "Seven Sisters. You're through to the live rounds."
A huge breath of relief whooshed through my body and then the next thing I knew I was fighting for my next breaths as my fellow band members squeezed and hugged me tight.
Carmela also hugged us all. As the cameras stopped filming, she turned to me and whispered into my ear.
"Sorry about that, Stacey, but it made for great TV. If it's any consolation, your band is my absolute favourite and if we play this right, you can win."
Then she walked away as if she'd never said a word to me at all.
"What did Carmela say?" Kiki asked me.
"She said she was looking forward to working with us." I answered, because after what had just happened, I didn't want to give false hope. Not when we'd just got a little back.
We were about to leave when Dan Trent came storming out from a side room.
"Save it. Let me guess, you're screwing her? You're certainly giving me one up the arse. You can talk to my agent. This is not what I signed up for. My solicitors will be going through every line of my contract. I will not share the stage with Harley Davies any longer."
He stomped off swearing under his breath.
But he was right. He wouldn't share the stage with Harley any longer.
THE DAILY NEWS
FRONT PAGE EXCLUSIVE
DAN TRENT MISSING
26 September 2020
Speculation is mounting as to the whereabouts of Britain's Best New Band co-presenter Dan Trent who hasn't been seen since leaving the London Landmark Exhibition Centre after filming yesterday afternoon.
Rumours of an argument between Dan and TV execs were played down today as nothing more than a misunderstanding over recording agreements, with producer Everly Timms stating. "We hope Dan is safe and has just taken some time out for a couple of days. I urge him to get in touch with family or friends just so we know he's safe, and we'll welcome him back with open arms as soon as he feels ready."
There have been increasing amounts of friction reported backstage since our first exclusive back in August. Rifts between Dan and co-presenter Harley Davies had seemingly turned increasingly bitter.
Harley was unavailable for comment, but her agent said her thoughts were with his family.
With the live shows due to start in a week's time, Cat Purr Productions, who own the show's format, said it was too early to comment on whether or not the first live show would go ahead.
THE DAILY NEWS
FRONT PAGE EXCLUSIVE
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
2 October 2020
Cat Purr Productions has taken the controversial step to go ahead with its live shows in the wake of presenter Dan Trent remaining missing.