Celebrity Extra: Paul Bettany
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is it true that Paul Bettany was supposed to be on "The Crown"? Who was he going to play, and who replaced him? -- L.J.
A: Yes, this is true. In an interview with "Prima" magazine, actor Paul Bettany stated that before the third season of the popular Netflix series "The Crown" premiered, he was in talks to play Prince Philip opposite Oliva Colman's ("The Roses") Queen Elizabeth. However, due to scheduling conflicts, likely with his role as Vision on another popular show -- Marvel's "WandaVision" -- they couldn't come to an agreement. Instead, Tobias Menzies ("F1") was cast as the prince.
Paul Bettany as Vision in "WandaVision". Photo Credit: Courtesy of Disney+
It all worked out for both actors. Menzies' exposure on "The Crown" led him to star in the recent Oscar-nominated film "F1," and Bettany is starring in "VisionQuest," the upcoming limited series about Vision's path to recovering his memory and humanity. The final season of "The Crown," its sixth, aired in 2023, and the show boasts 24 Emmy Awards.
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Q: I was sad to hear that Prue Leith has quit hosting "The Great British Bake Off." Will the show go on? Is Paul Hollywood still staying? -- U.C.
A: Alas, Prue Leith and her colorful eyeglasses are retiring, but it's understandable since, as she explained, she's 85 years old! You might not remember this, but Leith also replaced one of the original judges Mary Berry. Both ladies were loved by audiences, and hopefully Preith's successor will be welcomed by audiences just as much.
Nigella Lawson has been tapped as the newest host in the big white tent. Lawson is familiar to American audiences for her shows on the Food Network such as "Nigella Bites" and her many cookbooks. She will join co-hosts Paul Hollywood, Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding on set when filming begins this April. Expect to see these episodes on Netflix later in 2026.
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Q: I love Tracy Morgan's new comedy "The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins." I don't know anyone else who watches it, and I'm worried that it'll get canceled. How are its ratings? -- L.D.
A: Gone are the days when NBC comedies drew ratings like "Friends" did back in the '90s with an average of 25-40 million viewers. This was before competition from streamers, so expectations are now much lower for network sitcoms. However, when comparing it to other new comedies, "The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins" has started off quite well, drawing in 5.8 million viewers for its premiere episode. It also streams on Peacock, which certainly gives it another boost.
In comparison, "Stumble," another new NBC comedy that's a hidden gem, is unfortunately averaging less than 2 million viewers per week. Season two of "St. Denis Medical," also on NBC, hovers around 2.8 million watchers.
One big advantage that "Reggie Dinkins" has is that it was created by Robert Carlock and Sam Means, who are two writers and producers from hilarious sitcoms like "30 Rock" and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt." Stars Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe (of the "Harry Potter" franchise) have been busy promoting the show, even attending New York Knicks games together.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.
(c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.