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Blake Lively shared her first comments on her former “Gossip Girl” co-star Michelle Trachtenberg‘s death, who passed away at 39 on Wednesday morning. Lively took to her Instagram Stories to mourn the passing and recall their first meeting with a loving photo and a moving tribute. “She was electricity,” she wrote about Trachtenberg, highlighting that the image revisited the “first day I met Michelle.”
Blake Lively shares her experience working with Michelle Trachtenberg in ‘Gossip Girl’
The “Gossip Girl” alums, including Blake Lively, shared touching tributes following Michelle Trachtenberg’s death, who was best known for playing Georgina Sparks in the popular show. CNN stated that the police found Trachtenberg dead in a Manhattan apartment on Wednesday morning after responding to a 911 call. While the medical examiner’s office has yet to reveal the official cause of death, an NYPD source told the outlet about the deceased’s recent medical issue, claiming that her death possibly occurred from natural causes.
In the following hours, Lively shared her work experience with Trachtenberg and mourned the loss with a moving social media tribute. The post comprised a photo of them with an emotional note describing her former co-star and her incomparable qualities. Lively wrote, “You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%.” She then shared more about the late actor’s headstrong persona as someone who “laughed the fullest,” “cared deeply about her work,” and “was proud to be a part of this community and industry.”
Blake Lively’s statement after Michelle Trachtenberg’s death also praised her fierce loyalty toward friends and those she loved. “She was big and bold and distinctly herself,” she noted, remembering Trachtenberg “always had yummy caramel smelling lipgloss on because she didn’t want to sparkle on camera.” In addition, Lively honored her for “creating a nice experience” for those around her and for being someone who “cared about the sweet details” and was a “kind person, through and through.”
Finally, Lively remarked that the world lost “a deeply sensitive and good person.” She concluded with a solemn prayer for people to remember Trachtenberg for her “work” and “huge heart,” especially those who “were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
Survivor Season 48, Episode 1 is here, with a brand new bunch of castaways battling it out for the $1 million prize. Who will make it all the way to the end and earn the respect of their fellow competitors enough to ensure they collect their jury votes? And who will fall at the first few hurdles? Here’s everything important that went down during Survivor Season 48, Episode 1: “The Get To Know You Game.”
What happened during the Survivor Season 48 premiere, Episode 1?
Photo Credit: Robert Voets/CBS
The game is on in Survivor Season 48, Episode 1, with some castaways immediately playing hard. It might be to their detriment down the road, but for now, it seems that making sure to build some strong bonds through honesty and oversharing is working in the favor of those engaging in such gameplay. One tribe was sent to tribal council, resulting in the first casualty of the season. Here are all of the highlights from the Survivor 48 premiere.
The Survivor 48 cast have arrived in Fiji, and they’re ready to play
Photo Credit: Robert Voets/CBS
Physicist and engineer Eva reveals in her first confessional that she’s the first and only girl to play on Georgia Tech’s men’s club hockey team, which instantly makes her one of my favorites. David, who wants to be “the hero,” not so much. We all know villains have more fun. But all the players impress Jeff Probst, with what he describes as maybe “the best” marooning reaction he’s ever heard. A bold claim, but I’m not going back over the 47 previous seasons to check.
Mitch, who reveals he has a speech impediment, has been “trying to get out here for the last 20 years,” and was inspired to apply all the way back when a deaf contestant took part in Survivor: The Amazon. It’s a beautiful story; but it’s one that would have me wanting to target him before he can even get close to the end. Who’s going to want to go up against him in front of a jury?
We’re kicking off with three tribes, each representing either the sun, moon, or the entire sky. And of course, there’s a marooning challenge, which gives all the feels when you see each contestant covered in mud. And what would a first challenge be without an injury? Kevin’s hurt his shoulder.
Lagi – made up of Star, Bianca, Joe, Eva, Thomas, and Shauhin – win the tribe supplies. The other tribes must leave behind one person to fight for the second set. Kevin and Kyle volunteer.
“There’s only one opportunity right now for your tribe to think of you as an asset,” Kevin says. He could fail again, or change his fate in this game.
The bonds are bonding, but is one castaway overplaying?
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Lagi are celebrating, and Thomas immediately proves he is perfect television. He’s bonding “with two straight dudes,” and while it’s shocked him, he’s not complaining. The music exec also has huge love for fellow tribemate Bianca, and I’m immediately hoping they become a duo force to be reckoned with.
Over on Civa, Chrissy is looking forward to working with these different personalities. I’m trying to pay attention to the dynamics, but stunt performer David is doing shirtless pull-ups and talking about how he’s played a literal superhero. Maybe I don’t mind his hero complex after all. David’s hoping his fellow contestants can look past his muscles, and see him as a “valuable ally.” I’m sold. And also extremely fickle.
Then there’s Vula, with surgeon Cedrek. He thinks they’re the “underdog team” right out of the gate. “We didn’t get our supplies, so now we just have to regroup and move forward.” That’s the right attitude! Meanwhile, Stephanie’s ready to play. “I want to practice sitting on my hands. That will be the key to my game. Not taking action when I might direly want to.” I fear this would also be my downfall on Survivor. I’d be out looking for idols thinking I was being stealthy, while leaving a trail of both broken branches and noise in my wake. Saiounia isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, though. She wants security from Stephanie and Mary, but then also tries to lock in a three with Cedrek and Justin. The overplaying is worrying, to say the least. She says she wants a “Core Four,” but locking in two boys after trying to lock in two girls is dangerous.
Kyle and Kevin try to earn supplies for their tribes
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“Losing the challenge … that was horrible; one of the worst feelings ever,” says Kyle. “I always viewed myself as a teammate that would get the job done.” I always wonder why castaways like Kyle come in with such a huge weight on their shoulders. You’re there to win $1 million, not prove yourself as a challenge beast to America.
In their challenge, Kyle and Kevin will compete against one another. The first player to secure their machete, retrieve their pot, and unlock their flint at the end of their path earns their tribe supplies. The loser has to leave everything behind, and their tribe won’t receive anything to help them out until after the first immunity challenge.
Kevin’s worried. He’d be confident if he didn’t hurt his shoulder. “I trained for this … but once I hurt my shoulder, all bets are off.” I’m rooting for him. But are my good vibes enough?
Kyle and Kevin’s approaches to the challenges are polar opposites. Kevin’s taking his time, while Kyle is, in his own words, “erratic.” That’s where things begin to fall apart for him, but when he chops down his pot, there’s a chance to turn things around. He’s got a slight lead, but as he’s filling up his pot, he accidentally breaks the container. Though the challenge is over, and Kevin wins by default, Kyle decides to help his opponent out.
“I felt like a screw-up,” Kyle says. “I let my tribe down. That sucks.” Maybe next time, Kyle.
Back at Vula, Kevin receives a hero’s welcome. “We gotta make fire! We gotta do stuff!” he tells his tribemates. The Kumbaya vibes are high, and everyone wants to work with Kevin. Let’s see how this shakes out…
Animal markings pique David’s curiosity
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Civa tribemate David’s noticed a dolphin symbol on the water well, an octopus on one of the paddles, and an eagle marking on a tree. He shows it to Mitch, and the pair then find some black string. Tied underneath is an “S,” but the pair are distracted by Kyle’s return.
“I still have to figure out a way to integrate into this group of people who have been forming bonds,” Kyle says. But he’s going to do so with a lie. Despite being a lawyer, he’s going to claim he’s a high school English teacher. David thinks he’s being “sincere,” but boasts about how he definitely would have returned to the tribe with supplies if he had been the one to compete. And I’m back on the ‘SHUT UP, DAVID,’ train; even more so when he tells his ENTIRE tribe about the markings. This leads everybody to different ropes and letters, but to quote Mitch, “What the freak is happening right now?”
Lagi tribemates are instead focused on building a shelter. “I think the Lagi tribe is fire,” says Star. “Everybody just fell into roles of what to do.” They seem to be working the best as a team. Plus, it’s fun to see firefighter Joe – who wants to “change the game” by remaining loyal throughout – starting a fire.
Back at Vula, Sai instructs Kevin, Cedrek, and Justin to start looking for the idol. She doesn’t want it to fall into anyone else’s hands outside of that group. Meanwhile, Stephanie and Mary slam Sai’s “bad gameplay,” branding her as untrustworthy. They’re not wrong; she’s playing both sides. Unfortunately for them, Sai dips her hand into a hole in a tree, and finds the Beware Advantage.
What does the Beware Advantage hold?
Photo Credit: Robert Voets/CBS
A puzzle lock is wrapped up in the Beware Advantage, which Sai opens in front of Justin without a second thought. A code reading “216337” throws Sai for a loop. It’s going to spell a word, but with different colors for each number, and cryptograms spinning through Sai’s mind, she’s not sure where to start. “I was adamant about math, that was the one thing I didn’t want out here.” Until Sai claims the puzzle lock’s idol, she has lost her vote at tribal. “I need to have this thing open – I need my vote.” Yes, Sai, and you also need to SLOW DOWN.
At Lagi, Star is out looking for idols, and her tribemates notice she’s disappeared. “Star is in trouble for sure,” Shauhin admits. “Don’t leave tribe by yourself at the beginning of the game.” Suddenly, everybody wants Star to go home. Her social game is on the floor. Joe, Tom, and Shauhin however? They’re the California Girls trio; an all-male alliance unlike any other. Finally, a “budding alliance of all dudes” I can root for! Bianca and Eva are the two players vying for that fourth spot to build the majority.
Pulling Joe aside, Eva opens up about her autism. It’s not something she wants to “advertise” in the game, but she wants to let her number one know. She says she will struggle to tell “when someone is lying,” and admits there will be times she needs to get “grounded” when she is “overstimulated.” Joe asks how he’ll be able to help in those moments, and oh my goodness me is that a tear rolling down my face? All love this for this pair. “I’ve made the decision, she’s with me. I’ve got her.”
Kyle’s causing concern for Charity, and Sai cracks the code
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It’s Day two on the Civa beach, where Charity admits that Kyle’s journey has her worried he might have an advantage. Unfortunately for her, she says it to Kamilla, who wants to work with Kyle. Kamilla “reverses that bus” and runs Charity “over and over” as she reveals how shady she’s being. Alongside Kyle, David, and Krissy, Kamilla’s plan to cast suspicion on Charity works a charm. An alliance of four is formed, and that means a majority.
Back at Vula, Sai is spiraling. She tells the rest of the alliance she’s found the puzzle lock, which gives Cedrek confidence she’s on board to ride with him at least for the foreseeable future. Kevin finds it to be a “double-edged sword,” however. He’s happy to know, but worried that she does have her hands on something so powerful.
Turns out Sai has also spotted symbols around camp. Now, she’s got some idea of what to do next. “There’s a method to the madness.” With Cedrek and Justin’s help, she forms the word “Listen,” and voila. She’s got her hands on an immunity idol, and regains her votes at any future tribal. Teamwork makes the dream work – perhaps I was wrong in calling Sai out for playing so hard, so early.
The first immunity challenge of the season gets underway, and it looks to be a hugely physical one that ends with a Survivor logo puzzle. Two tribes will win immunity, and in the end, they turn out to be Lagi and Civa, sending Vula to tribal council.
Who was sent home in Survivor Season 48, Episode 1?
Photo Credit: Robert Voets/CBS
Stephanie Berger was the first person voted out of Survivor Season 48, in Episode 1, by a vote of 4-1.
After a closely-fought challenge, Stephanie found the spotlight on her. She volunteered to complete the logo puzzle, and didn’t get the job done.
Mary, however, didn’t trust Sai. “You’re trying way too hard. Can’t we make some connections first?” she asked in confessional. Justin agreed that she was playing “really, really hard, really early,” but wanted to remain in the middle. Sai had proven she would be honest with Justin, so he wondered how he could turn his back on that.
Kevin told Justin it wouldn’t be the “worst thing” if Sai went home. It would mean that they would be able to try and hunt down the idol when it got placed back into the game.
At tribal council, Stephanie said trust was the “number one concern.” She pointed out there were three Libras on the tribe, which is “usually good at communication, but maybe a little bit of indecisiveness.” Sai then pointed out she doesn’t typically get on “with other air signs.” The battle lines were drawn, and some shade was thrown.
Stephanie decided to play her Shot in the Dark. “Not sure how I feel about my stars tonight,” she quipped. She sacrificed her vote for a one in six shot at safety. That didn’t happen, and she was sent home. It’s a shame, because I found her to be completely endearing! Now, Mary and Sai have beef. This is gonna be a fun season – we’re back, baby!
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There’s still some hope for the OGs of Vanderpump Rules, and we’re not just talking about The Valley. Executive producer Alex Baskin recently teased what the future of the franchise could look like, and he said that we shouldn’t count out the original cast.
Of course, we know that Pump Rules Season 12 will feature a brand-new lineup of SURvers, but Alex thinks there’s still a chance for folks like Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix to make their way back to our screens. Keep your fingers crossed.
Alex recently appeared on Two Ts in A Pod when he touched on the future of VPR. Tamra Judge asked if there were any spinoffs in the works. He confirmed that there’s nothing on the horizon right now, but that could eventually change.
The future is bright for Vanderpump Rules
“There’s nothing to announce,” Alex said of any VPR spinoffs. “Obviously we did that successfully on The Valley and that second season is insane by the way, so very excited about that.”
According to Alex, who also serves as a producer for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, there’s always room in the Bravo universe to explore new stories with old faces. Specifically, he pointed out Denise Richards as an example. Who would have thought that she’d end up with her own Bravo show?
“I mean obviously, look, the Bravo universe is strong, you know, and sort of as Denise proves out as well there’s always an appetite to revisit the lives of the people who inhabit it. And so, you know all things are possible,” Alex remarked.
For now, Alex made it clear this primary focus is Season 2 of The Valley. Pump Rules fans can expect to see pop-ups from Lala Kent, who was super pregnant at the time of filming, and Scheana Shay, who was super eager to get back in front of a camera.
Plus Alex is busy gearing up for Season 12 of Pump Rules. They’re starting from scratch, and Alex has high hopes for the new generation. He also said that people shouldn’t necessarily consider it a “reboot.”
“It’s a lot of fun, so we’re trying to embrace what was great about the original, but I don’t really consider it a reboot. I think that’s the word that’s been thrown around,” Alex said. “My view is it’s a brand-new group that work at the restaurant and so it’s a new series that carries on the legacy of the original.”
TELL US – DO YOU THINK ANY VANDERPUMP RULES CAST MEMBERS DESERVE THEIR OWN SPINOFF? WOULD YOU PREFER TO SEE MORE PUMP RULES CAST MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE VALLEY?
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In case you missed it, Kelly Bensimon has a list of casting suggestions for the next season of The Real Housewives of New York. She sent her ideas right to Andy Cohen’s inbox. It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that Kelly put herself on the list, but unfortunately for her, it doesn’t seem like Andy is too interested in her help.
After Season 15 of RHONY wrapped, the show’s casting team put out a call on their social media for Season 16 newbies. With Rebecca Minkoff out of the picture and Brynn Whitfield’s future in question, there’s plenty of room to improve this cast. That’s when Kelly jumped in.
“Everybody says I should be back on Housewives, and I’m happy to do it with … Not to be mean, but, like, not this cast,” she explained. “I sent a whole list to Andy. I was like: Here’s the mothership.”
During a recent episode of SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, the man himself reacted to Kelly’s suggestions and didn’t seem too impressed. Apparently, it had a hodgepodge of people who were all connected through Kelly.
“She’s on the list. It was, I think being kind of anchored by her,” Andy recalled.
It would have been lovely if Andy had just run through the list live on his radio show, but he maintained an ounce of professionalism. He kept the rest of Kelly’s suggestions under wraps. However, he did tease that one of the names was someone he’s ”known forever.” That could literally be anyone.
“One of the people is someone that I’ve known forever and someone that you know who is not going to do it,” Andy teased before shutting down the conversation.
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Justin Bieber recently shared a new parenting milestone wish for his baby son, Jack Blues Bieber. On February 23, the singer was among the many celebrities who participated in the NHL & Los Angeles Kings Present “Skate For LA Strong” at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. Interestingly, during the game, Bieber revealed that he wished to see his son ice skating at the earliest opportunity.
Justin Bieber reveals plans to teach son Jack ice skating in new video
Justin Bieber welcomed his first child, Jack Blues Bieber, with his wife Hailey Bieber in August. While he mostly maintains privacy about his son, the new dad recently shared how soon he wishes to see his baby on the ice. During the NHL & Los Angeles Kings Present “Skate For LA Strong” charity game, the singer was asked when he was hoping to witness Jack get into ice skating. Without any hesitation, Bieber quickly responded, “As soon as possible.”
Hearing the singer’s answer, the host broke into laughter and then playfully remarked, “One is too early man,” referring to Jack’s almost 1-year-old age. To this, the proud dad wittily responded, “There’s never too early.”
Prior to this, the host also asked Justin Bieber what it meant for him to be present and show his support to the people whose lives have been deeply affected by the devastating LA wildfires. “Well this is everything,” the singer replied. “I mean we’re just looking to have a good time. You know just show that when we all come together good things can happen.”
At the charity ice hockey game presented by the NHL & Los Angeles Kings, Bieber played in Team Black. Besides him, other celebrities who participated included Snoop Dogg, Steve Carrell, Will Ferrell, Danny Devito, and many more.
