Biggest 2020 showbiz stories – from Caroline Flack’s tragic death to Johnny Depp

It could be safe to say that 2020 has been an unforgettable year that we might be glad to see the back of.

However, while the Coronavirus pandemic has dominated the news, there has also been an abundance of celebrity stories that have kept readers hooked throughout the last 12 months.

From Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s explosive trial to the heartbreaking death of Love Island’s Caroline Flack, the entertainment world of 2020 has been filled with loss, love and some truly unexpected twists and turns.

As the new year looms – and with it the hopes that we can reunite with loved ones and maybe even go to a music festival – we take a look at the top showbiz stories that have framed this unprecedented year.

Caroline Flack dies at the age of 40

One of the most heartbreaking moments of this year was the news that Love Island presenter Caroline Flack had taken her life on February 15.

The much-loved television star was just 40 years old and her tragic death rocked the showbiz world as a result.

A truly unforgettable character, many of her celebrity friends remembered the star as a bubbly figure that was admired by countless fans.

Not only did tributes pour in for the beautiful presenter, her death also opened up more discussion about the pressures of social media and her coined phrase “be kind” has become part of her legacy.

Johnny Depp’s explosive libel case

With contrasting red and black bandannas around their faces, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard appeared at London’s High Court over the course of several weeks in July.

Johnny had brought a high-profile libel case against The Sun’s publisher after the publication had labelled him a “wife beater” in 2018.

Depp spent three days giving evidence, while his ex-wife Heard, 34, was in the witness box.

The court heard allegations of violence from both sides, as well as grim testimony about a poo being left in the marital bed, a scene of destruction at the former couple’s rented home in Australia and Depp’s severed finger.

It was the biggest English libel trial of the 21st century and was watched by people around the world.

Although Johnny denied everything, a judge ruled in the newspaper’s favour.

JK Rowling’s transgender row

In June, Harry Potter author JK Rowling appeared to take issue with an op-ed that did not use the word ‘women’.

While the comment faced a severe backlash, the author dug her heels in and instead released several other articles where she outlined her beliefs further.

It didn’t take long for several Harry Potter stars to voice their own opinions.

Daniel Radcliffe wrote: “It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm.”

Emma Watson also spoke out in support of the transgender community.

The fallout from JK Rowling’s Twitter rants has seen a bookshop ‘ban’ her work, a plaque honouring the author in Edinburgh smeared with red paint as well as a slew of celebrities wade in to share their thoughts.

Katy Perry unveils her post-baby body

While Katy Perry announcing her pregnancy was incredibly exciting, news of her post-baby body unveil was actually one of the most read stories of 2020.

Just days after giving birth to her daughter Daisy Dove that she shares with fiance Orlando Bloom, Katy fashioned as a hilarious pre-red carpet selfie for the VMAs.

In the snap, Katy showed off her post-baby figure in a nude underwear set.

She joked: “Hair and makeup by: @exhaustion.”

Katy did not appear in the award show and instead celebrated her cinematography nomination from home as she settled into motherhood.

Harvey Weinstein jailed

In March 2020, Harvey Weinstein was jailed for 23 years in his rape and sexual assault trial.

It came weeks after Weinstein was found guilty in the landmark trial, which was hailed as a victory for the #MeToo movement in Hollywood and across the world.

The women that attended his sentencing were in tears and walked out of the court room to applause and screams of “Justice” from people in the halls.

Since being jailed, the disgraced producer has faced more charges and had his CBE stripped.

Adele’s unrecognisable transformation

This year, Adele sent social media into meltdown as she unveiled an incredible transformation amid a 7 stone weight loss journey.

Marking her 32nd birthday in May, Adele beamed with happiness as she was pictured in a little black mini- dress with billowing sleeves.

Fans of the singer were quick to praise her new look and Chrissy Teigen summed it with the comment: “I mean are you kidding me.”

The Hello hitmaker had decided to transform her physique following the end of her 8-year-long marriage to Simon Konecki last year.

Harry and Meghan’s departure from the Royal Family

Harry and Meghan have had quite the year after revealing at the start of 2020 that they were quitting as working royals.

In their statement, the couple explained they want to “carve out a progressive new role” and become “financially independent”.

Since then, the couple have signed an enormous Netflix deal to create documentaries, children’s shows and feature films.

Later in the year, Meghan also revealed the heartbreaking news that she had suffered a miscarriage – which led many other women to open up about their own losses.

Elon Musk and Grime’s quirky baby name

While there have been many celebrity births worthy of a mention in this list, the most unique baby to enter the showbiz world was certainly Elon Musk and Grimes’ son.

Elon, 48, and Grimes, 32, welcomed their baby on May 4 and almost broke the internet when they revealed they’d name him X Æ A-12.

The couple left fans even more baffled when they both appeared to suggest different pronunciations of the name.

Even now, its still not really clear how the baby name is pronounced…

Phillip Schofield comes out as gay

In February, the much loved This Morning star Phillip Schofield bravely came out as gay in a heartfelt social media message.

The television presenter – who had been married for 27 years – then spoke about his story with Holly Willoughby on air.

The television presenter was praised for his bravery as celebrities and viewers flocked to support Phillip.

During the pandemic, Phillip and his former partner Stephanie as well as their daughters have all been holed up together.

Phillip has also continued to come to work and provide Brits with morning entertainment throughout the lockdown.

Celebrities stand with the BLM movement

What should be considered the most important movement of this year was Black Lives Matter.

The movement swept across the globe and saw people take to the streets amid a pandemic to take a stand against racism.

Built on the legacy of activism throughout the decades, the BLM movement has triggered conversations and continued to make politicians and the public take notice.

Countless of celebrities were also involved and several stars such as Stormzy, John Boyega, Madonna and Rio Ferdinand all took part in the London protests.

The end of Keeping Up With The Kardashians

In September, one of the showbiz world’s most well-known families left fans stunned after they confirmed that Keeping Up With The Kardashians will come to an end in early 2021.

While the news isn’t as dramatic as some of the headlines on our list, it does mark the end of a bizarre reality TV legacy that has framed everything from beauty trends to filters and big lips.

“After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who’ve watched us for all of these years – through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children,” Kim wrote on social media at the time.

It remains to be seen which showbiz family might take their reality show spot.

Tragic disappearance of Naya Rivera

Another unexpected and heartbreaking headline from this year was the tragic disappearance of Naya Rivera while enjoying a boat trip with her son.

The search was sadly short lived, and days after her initial disappearance a body was pulled from the lake and identified as the actress.

Police at the time said that her son, Josey, saw his mother disappear into the water after she helped him on the boat.

Naya’s death marked the third death of a member of the Glee cast.

Ellen DeGeneres fallout

Television star Ellen DeGeneres was propelled into the spotlight after the Ellen DeGeneres Show came under fire after several staff members revealed there was a “toxic” work culture behind the scenes.

In the explosive expose, workers claimed that they were mistreated by both producers and other staff members, citing experiences of racism and intimidation.

The fallout saw many people take to social media to open up about their similar experiences on the show and with Ellen.

While she addressed the issues in a letter to her staff in July, ex employees continued to come forward to speak against her treatment.

A host of celebrities also spoke in support and also against Ellen, and so far she remains in her role as talk show host.

And it’s a wrap!

While these are just a handful of headlines that have captivated readers throughout the year, it goes without saying that 2020 has also lost some incredible figures from Kobe Bryant to Sean Connery, and also welcomed some news babies to celebrity mums like Jessica Biel, Ciara and Gigi Hadid.

Here’s to 2021!

What do you think was the biggest showbiz story of 2020? Leave a comment below.

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Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/biggest-showbiz-stories-2020-caroline-23216662