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British director Matthew Vaughn has dispelled online rumours that Taylor Swift was behind the pseudonym Elly Conway – the author of the novel connected to his new film Argylle.

The film sees its protagonist Elly Conway, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, thrown into the world of espionage when she meets real spy Aiden, played by Sam Rockwell, on a train.

Argylle also stars Henry Cavill, Dua Lipa, John Cena, Bryan Cranston, Ariana DeBose and Catherine O’Hara.

On Friday – the day of Argylle’s release in cinemas – The Telegraph revealed the real writers behind the novel – Terry Hayes and Tammy Cohen.

Before filming for the production got under way, Vaughn asked Hayes to write a companion novel for the film – and soon Cohen was also brought on board.

“What was crazy is my daughter wouldn’t believe me,” Vaughn says about the Taylor Swift rumours.

The Kick-Ass director tells Sky News he spoke out at the first opportunity he got to quash the rumours, explaining he “didn’t want a bunch of Swifties or Taylor Swift thinking we were jumping on the bandwagon of her fame”.

Taylor Swift arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
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Taylor Swift wasn’t the author – but she was an inspiration. Pic: AP

Although the singer didn’t write the novel, she has had a big influence on the film itself.

Vaughn’s family cat, named Chip, stars in Argylle as Alfie – a decision that the director says turned him into a “cat handler” for the entire production.

The Scottish Fold cat belongs to the filmmaker’s daughter, who is a huge fan of Taylor Swift and chose the animal after seeing the star had a similar pet.

The decision to use the cat backpack was also inspired by the 34-year-old singer-songwriter – Vaughn saw her use a cat bag in her Miss Americana documentary.

Following the film’s world premiere in London, Vaughn’s wife Claudia Schiffer received backlash online for taking Chip to Leicester Square in London.

Charities Blue Cross and Cats Protection condemned the use of the type of cat carrier and warned people of the “serious health complications” associated with the breed.

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Claudia Schiffer carries a cat as she attends the premiere of "Argylle" at Leicester Square in London, Britain, January 24, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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Claudia Schiffer with Chip at the premiere. Pic: Reuters

‘There’s no such thing as an acting cat’

The 52-year-old director says he didn’t know what he was getting himself in for when he replaced the “acting cat” on the first day with his family pet.

“I can just tell you, there’s no such thing as an acting cat. It was an expensive non-acting cat.”

Vaughn says in addition to directing the star-studded line-up, he was responsible for Chip’s food, travel arrangements and litter box.

“I think he was so relaxed because I was there with him, always right next to the camera,” he explains.

Argylle director Matthew Vaughn
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Vaughn reveals his daughter is a Swiftie. Pic: NetStorage

During press interviews about the film, its star Bryce Dallas Howard said the production revolved around ensuring Chip was comfortable.

“When you’re working with an animal, the same exact thing when you’re working with a young person, the priority is their safety.”

She explained that a life-like stuffed version of the animal was used for any action sequences or moments of high movement.

“Chip is Matthew and Claudia’s cat. This is a cat that is very important to them, part of their family,” she said.

The Jurassic World star added that the director would shoot around Chip’s naptime so that the animal’s routine wasn’t interrupted by cameras.

Argylle is in cinemas now and will stream globally on Apple TV+.

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Which celebrities are attending Donald Trump’s inauguration?

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Which celebrities are attending Donald Trump's inauguration?

Donald Trump will be sworn in as US president on 20 January in Washington DC, to being his second stint in the biggest job in politics.

A national holiday thanks to the fact it coincides with Martin Luther King Jr Day, spectators can expect an event full of pomp, pageantry and entertainment.

Donald Trump and his family walk down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House
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Donald Trump and his family on inauguration day in 2017

Back at his first inauguration in 2017, Mr Trump appeared to struggle to rustle up celebrity attendees – so who might we see turn up second time around?

Political figures and world leaders

Outgoing president Joe Biden, 82, will attend his successor’s inauguration. It was a pleasantry not performed by Mr Trump during Mr Biden’s inauguration in 2020, which Mr Trump – who claimed the election had been stolen from him – chose to skip.

It’s also traditional for all living former presidents to attend the inauguration, so Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton are all likely to attend. Former first lady, Michelle Obama, however, will not be attending.

Mr Trump has also invited world leaders this year for the first time.

Mr Trump’s new efficiency tsar and the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, is attending the event and reportedly will be seated alongside fellow billionaires Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has confirmed his attendance, and says he hopes to “mend any broken fences” with Mr Musk after a recent social media spat between the two.

Nigel Farage and Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy with Elon Musk. Pic: PA
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Elon Musk and Nigel Farage have ‘fences to mend’ following a row on X. Pic: PA

Official acts

The Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee kept its cards close to its chest until just a few days before the inauguration.

Musical performances are a staple of the event, with a marching band, and various inauguration galas throughout the evening. Stars including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and John Legend have been part of past shows for previous presidents.

This year’s acts have a distinctly Country flavour, with big names including Billy Ray Cyrus and Kid Rock – both of whom endorsed Mr Trump at the 2024 election.

Kid Rock speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Guard Association of the United States' 146th General Conference, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
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Kid Rock speaking ahead of Donald Trump at the National Guard Association Conference in August. Pic: AP

Rock, 53, whose real name is Robert James Richie, has been a vocal supporter of the Republican Party and the president-elect for many years.

He previously sang ahead of Mr Trump’s speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention in July and joined Mr Trump’s entourage at Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in November.

Billy Ray Cyrus. Pic: AP
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Billy Ray Cyrus. Pic: AP

Rock will join country singer Cyrus, 63, who is the father of pop star Miley Cyrus – a vocal critic of Mr Trump – at the Make America Great Again Rally at Capital One Arena in Washington on Sunday, along with a choir from Liberty University, which is a private evangelical Christian school in Virginia.

Alongside being Miley’s dad, Billy Ray is most famous for his 1990s country hit Achy Breaky Heart.

Jason Aldean speaking at a Republican rally in October. Pic: AP
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Jason Aldean speaking at a Republican rally in October. Pic: AP

They will be joined by country singer Jason Aldean, singer and saxophonist Lee Greenwood and The Village People at The Liberty Ball on Monday night, along with a “surprise musical guest”.

Aldean, 47, is a five-time Grammy nominee and the performer of the controversial country song Try That In A Small Town, which he dedicated to Mr Trump after the attempt on his life in July.

Greenwood sang God Bless The USA at the inauguration eight years ago and was a staple at Trump campaign rallies last year. He has said he’s “excited” to sing for his “friend” Mr Trump “yet again”.

Meanwhile, country group Rascal Flatts will be at the Commander-in-Chief Ball, focused on military service members, with Texas-based singer-songwriter Parker McCollum.

Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox wrote on Instagram that he was “happy and humbled and grateful for the opportunity”. LeVox played at Mr Trump’s first inauguration and promised it will be a “night to remember”, thanking South Dakota governor Kristi Noem in his post.

The Starlight Ball, which focuses on high-worth donors, will feature a performance from Gavin DeGraw, a singer-songwriter best known for the song I Don’t Want To Be, which was used as the theme song for the TV show One Tree Hill.

Carrie Underwood performing in Times Square on New Year's Eve. Pic: AP
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Carrie Underwood performing in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Pic: AP

Previously confirmed acts include American Idol star Carrie Underwood who is arguably the biggest name on the bill.

The eight-time Grammy winner will sing America The Beautiful alongside the Armed Forces Choir and the US Naval Academy Glee Club shortly before Mr Trump takes the oath of office.

Commenting on her part in the day, Underwood said in a statement: “I love our country and am honoured to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event”. The 41-year-old singer has previously kept her political views private.

Classical singer Christopher Macchio will sing Oh, America! before the vice-presidential oath of office with JD Vance, and will close the ceremony with a rendition of the American National Anthem.

Victor Willis and the Village People perform during the Festival d'ete de Quebec in July 2019. Pic: AP
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Victor Willis and the Village People perform during the Festival d’ete de Quebec in July 2019. Pic: AP

Victor Willis, frontman of the Village People, previously announced the band had accepted an invitation to perform at the inauguration, telling their fans in a post on Facebook: “We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear, however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics.

“Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost,” he added.

“Therefore, we believe it’s now time to bring the country together with music, which is why Village People will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J Trump.”

Willis last month defended Mr Trump’s use of Y.M.C.A. at campaign rallies and denied that the song is a “gay anthem”.

The 1978 disco hit spiked in listenership in November after it secured a spot on Mr Trump’s campaign playlist, according to Sky News’ US partner, NBC News.

Mary Millben singing on the first day of the Republican National Convention. Pic: Reuters
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Mary Millben on the first day of the Republican National Convention. Pic: Reuters

Who else could be there?

Actor Jon Voight, who was recently appointed as “a special envoy” to Hollywood following the California wildfires and who is a vocal supporter of Mr Trump, spoke at his last inauguration – so it seems possible we could see a repeat performance.

And singer Mary Millben sang the national anthem at both Mr Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally and the Republican National Convention back in July.

One wildcard potential guest could be Kanye West, who has been a vocal supporter of Mr Trump in the past, and who met with him in the Oval Office back in 2018.

When asked earlier this year if he would be voting Republican, West told reporters: “Yeah, of course. It’s Trump all day.”

Jackie Evancho singing at Mr Trump's first inauguration in 2017
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Jackie Evancho singing at Mr Trump’s first inauguration in 2017

Who performed at Trump’s last inauguration?

Classical singer Jackie Evancho, a former America’s Got Talent contestant, sang the national anthem at Mr Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, calling it a “huge honour” to perform for the president.

But the young star, who has a transgender sister, did later say she was “disappointed” by Mr Trump’s decision to roll back on transgender rights.

Meanwhile, country singer Toby Keith was arguably the biggest name on the bill the first time around. He died from stomach cancer last February.

Other acts who performed in 2017 include The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, rock band 3 Doors Down, DJ Ravidrums and musical group The Piano Guys.

Prime-time TV show?

In 2021, Joe Biden’s inauguration included a prime-time inauguration day TV programme hosted by Tom Hanks.

Celebrating America featured performances from acts including Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake.

It’s not known if a similar programme will be aired following Mr Trump’s inauguration this year.

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Director Claire van Kampen dies on husband Mark Rylance’s birthday

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Director Claire van Kampen has died, aged 71, on the 65th birthday of her husband, Sir Mark Rylance.

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Cameron Diaz says retirement from acting was ‘best 10 years of my life’

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Cameron Diaz says retirement from acting was 'best 10 years of my life'

Cameron Diaz has said her decade-long retirement from acting was “the best 10 years of my life”.

The actress, 52, has partnered with Jamie Foxx for the Netflix blockbuster Back In Action, marking her first role since playing Miss Hannigan in the 2014 remake of Annie.

Speaking on the BBC’s Graham Norton Show alongside Foxx, Diaz said of her temporary retirement: “Oh my God, I loved it. It was the best 10 years of my life.”

She said she was “just free” to be a mum, a wife and to live her life somewhat privately.

“It was so lovely,” she added, saying that her eventual return to acting “made sense for my family” as they wanted to “switch it up a little bit”.

The Hollywood star, whose acting debut came in 1994 hit comedy The Mask, said she had turned down roles for years during her retirement until people “stopped asking” – but added she didn’t want to turn down the role alongside Foxx.

Diaz and Jamie Foxx pose at photo call for Back in Action on Friday. Pic: 	Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP
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Diaz and Jamie Foxx pose at photo call for Back In Action. Pic: Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP

“If I’m going to leave my family for 10 hours a day – I want to do it with… the most talented man in entertainment,” she said of Foxx, 57, who she also co-starred alongside in Annie.

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The Holiday star added: “It’s just a privilege to do this. I thought to myself, if I just like, let this go away, all of this goodwill that I got to build over so much time, the passion that I have for entertaining people and making movies that make people smile and laugh and have a good time… if I don’t engage in that again… then I would be a fool.”

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Diaz, who had her second child with husband Benji Madden in March last year, told Norton she was back for “at least” this film, later adding: “This is maybe the beginning, maybe I’ll tiptoe in, maybe I’ll just go like gung ho! I don’t know.”

She has also filmed the upcoming Apple TV+ black comedy Outcome alongside Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill.

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