Update 21/05/24: As confirmed on the latest edition of Richard Osman and Marina Hyde’s The Rest is Entertainment podcast, the latest cast member to be confirmed is Celia Imrie in the role of Joyce Meadowcroft. Joyce would love that, we feel.
As previously reported by Variety in April 2024, Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley and Pierce Brosnan are also attached to The Thursday Murder Club film adaptation, which is being directed by Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone director Chris Columbus. Mirren will of course play former spy Elizabeth, Kingsley will play psychiatrist Ibrahim, and in something of a casting curveball, Pierce Brosnan will play former union organiser Ron. That just leaves police officers Donna and Chris, and handyman/fixer Bogdan as main characters still to be announced.
Original Article: “Everyone shouts out ‘Helen Mirren! Julie Walters! Dame Judi Dench!’ in the street at me all the time,...
As previously reported by Variety in April 2024, Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley and Pierce Brosnan are also attached to The Thursday Murder Club film adaptation, which is being directed by Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone director Chris Columbus. Mirren will of course play former spy Elizabeth, Kingsley will play psychiatrist Ibrahim, and in something of a casting curveball, Pierce Brosnan will play former union organiser Ron. That just leaves police officers Donna and Chris, and handyman/fixer Bogdan as main characters still to be announced.
Original Article: “Everyone shouts out ‘Helen Mirren! Julie Walters! Dame Judi Dench!’ in the street at me all the time,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
It’s natural that, while you may want to stay on the cutting edge of prestige TV drama and join in all those “How great is Shogun?!” conversations of the moment, there are also times when the world makes you want to shrink down to the size of a Subbuteo player, step into a book illustration from a copy of Thumbelina you owned as a child, and go to sleep underneath a single feather inside a walnut shell.
Those walnut shell moments demand a TV accompaniment that isn’t noisy or confrontational. There should be no difficult thoughts there, just a gentle tide of ‘everything’s okay-ness’ lapping at your brain’s shore. These British TV shows all provide exactly that sense of comfort. Please recommend your own picks below.
The Good Life
Stream on: BritBox (UK & US)
Tom and Barbara, Jerry and Margo. Repeat those names as a mantra...
Those walnut shell moments demand a TV accompaniment that isn’t noisy or confrontational. There should be no difficult thoughts there, just a gentle tide of ‘everything’s okay-ness’ lapping at your brain’s shore. These British TV shows all provide exactly that sense of comfort. Please recommend your own picks below.
The Good Life
Stream on: BritBox (UK & US)
Tom and Barbara, Jerry and Margo. Repeat those names as a mantra...
- 3/14/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
The British film-maker also wrote the landmark TV play Made in Britain, starring Tim Roth, and won an Emmy award for Band of Brothers
David Leland, the director behind popular 1980s hit Wish You Were Here and writer on a string of acclaimed British films including Made in Britain, Mona Lisa and Personal Services, has died aged 82. His agency Casarotto Ramsay and Associates said in a statement that Leland died on Sunday surrounded by his family. They added: “He is survived by his wife, Sabrina, his four daughters, his son and his six grandchildren … all of whom he loved almost as much as Arsenal football club.”
Born in 1941, Leland initially trained as an actor at the Central School of Speech of Drama, before becoming part of the breakaway that led to the creation of the Drama Centre in 1963. He secured small roles in 1970s films such as John Mackenzie’s directorial debut One Brief Summer,...
David Leland, the director behind popular 1980s hit Wish You Were Here and writer on a string of acclaimed British films including Made in Britain, Mona Lisa and Personal Services, has died aged 82. His agency Casarotto Ramsay and Associates said in a statement that Leland died on Sunday surrounded by his family. They added: “He is survived by his wife, Sabrina, his four daughters, his son and his six grandchildren … all of whom he loved almost as much as Arsenal football club.”
Born in 1941, Leland initially trained as an actor at the Central School of Speech of Drama, before becoming part of the breakaway that led to the creation of the Drama Centre in 1963. He secured small roles in 1970s films such as John Mackenzie’s directorial debut One Brief Summer,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
British director and actor David Leland has died aged 82, according to his long-time agency, Cassaroto Ramsay & Associates
The theater, film and TV star passed away on Christmas Eve (December 24), surrounded by his family.
Leland’s career spanned over five decades. He is known for writing two films about British suburban madam Cynthia Payne, the BAFTA-nominated Personal Services in 1987 and the Cannes Film Festival hit Wish You Were Here.
The former was directed by Terry Jones and starred Julie Walters, while Leland directed the latter himself, with Emily Lloyd starring.
Leland won the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay for Wish You Were Here and the film won the Fipresci prize at Cannes.
He is also noted for serving as co-showrunner of Showtime series The Borgias and for giving Pierce Brosnan his first stage opportunity in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ The Red Devil Battery Sign at The Round House, which Leland directed.
The theater, film and TV star passed away on Christmas Eve (December 24), surrounded by his family.
Leland’s career spanned over five decades. He is known for writing two films about British suburban madam Cynthia Payne, the BAFTA-nominated Personal Services in 1987 and the Cannes Film Festival hit Wish You Were Here.
The former was directed by Terry Jones and starred Julie Walters, while Leland directed the latter himself, with Emily Lloyd starring.
Leland won the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay for Wish You Were Here and the film won the Fipresci prize at Cannes.
He is also noted for serving as co-showrunner of Showtime series The Borgias and for giving Pierce Brosnan his first stage opportunity in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ The Red Devil Battery Sign at The Round House, which Leland directed.
- 12/27/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Gareth Richards died in a car crash in April of this year. Now he has been honoured at the Edinburgh Comedy Fringe Festival in Scotland, UK, becoming the first ever recipient of the Victoria Wood award.
The BBC reports that Richards, who had been appearing at the Fringe Festival since 2010, was due to perform again this year before he was killed in April. Instead, his friends Dan Ward and Mark Simmons staged “A Show for Gareth Richards” in his name, recruiting some of the country’s biggest comedy names to perform.
The show raised almost £20,000 which will go to a trust fund for Richards’ two sons.
Ward told the BBC: “It feels really sensational to have won this award for Gareth.
“Victoria Wood was the queen of musical comedy, and Gareth was our legend.
“Gareth’s name will be forever associated with this award, and that just means everything.”
The...
The BBC reports that Richards, who had been appearing at the Fringe Festival since 2010, was due to perform again this year before he was killed in April. Instead, his friends Dan Ward and Mark Simmons staged “A Show for Gareth Richards” in his name, recruiting some of the country’s biggest comedy names to perform.
The show raised almost £20,000 which will go to a trust fund for Richards’ two sons.
Ward told the BBC: “It feels really sensational to have won this award for Gareth.
“Victoria Wood was the queen of musical comedy, and Gareth was our legend.
“Gareth’s name will be forever associated with this award, and that just means everything.”
The...
- 8/27/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Seconds after Jamie Lee Curtis walks through the door at Wigmaker Associates in Beverly Hills on a pre-strike July morning, the recently minted Oscar winner comes face-to-face with an army of famous names. There are rows upon rows of them, monikers covering heads made of canvas blocks that atelier owner Rob Pickens and his staff use to custom-make wigs worn by Ana de Armas in Blonde, Millie Bobby Brown in Stranger Things and Amanda Seyfried in Mank.
“I see many of my friends,” declares Curtis as she scans the shelves, pausing to pay special attention to one in particular. “Hi, honey! Here’s my sweet,” she says, planting a kiss on the one named Christopher Guest, her filmmaker husband since 1984. Then Curtis spots another. “I just worked with [Margo Martindale] on a fabulous show called The Sticky. It’s weird when you’re my age, you know all these people.
“I see many of my friends,” declares Curtis as she scans the shelves, pausing to pay special attention to one in particular. “Hi, honey! Here’s my sweet,” she says, planting a kiss on the one named Christopher Guest, her filmmaker husband since 1984. Then Curtis spots another. “I just worked with [Margo Martindale] on a fabulous show called The Sticky. It’s weird when you’re my age, you know all these people.
- 7/31/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This list applies to UK streaming services
If you’ve had a tough day and need a laugh, this list’ll see you right. These are the British big guns. Big comedy guns, firing… laughter-bullets! Ak-47s of mirth, spraying chuckles through… look, yes, okay, that’s terrible. A stop to that. Agreed. We’re all just trying to do our best here.
Helping us to keep a grip when the world seems a scary place are these excellent British comedies, all available to stream on the UK’s various platforms. Find a bunch of comforting and familiar favourites and some newer arrivals below.
We’ll keep this list updated as shows enter and exit the streaming catalogues. Parents may also like a look at our best kids’ TV streaming recommendations, while here are our picks of the best British TV dramas to stream in the UK.
After Life
Ricky Gervais...
If you’ve had a tough day and need a laugh, this list’ll see you right. These are the British big guns. Big comedy guns, firing… laughter-bullets! Ak-47s of mirth, spraying chuckles through… look, yes, okay, that’s terrible. A stop to that. Agreed. We’re all just trying to do our best here.
Helping us to keep a grip when the world seems a scary place are these excellent British comedies, all available to stream on the UK’s various platforms. Find a bunch of comforting and familiar favourites and some newer arrivals below.
We’ll keep this list updated as shows enter and exit the streaming catalogues. Parents may also like a look at our best kids’ TV streaming recommendations, while here are our picks of the best British TV dramas to stream in the UK.
After Life
Ricky Gervais...
- 3/6/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Dame Julie Walters has been forced to leave the cast of the forthcoming Channel 4 drama Truelove, due to ill health.
The veteran star of stage and screen, 73, was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in 2018.
In 2020, she gave an interview in which she revealed that she had got the all-clear and said that she felt like a “different person” after having cancer.
Walters’ role as Phil in the drama Truelove was set to be her return to TV after a seven-year hiatus (she was last seen in the acclaimed 2016 Channel 4 drama National Treasure).
Walters will be replaced on the show by Lindsay Duncan, who now stars opposite The Wire’s Clarke Peters.
The pair play former teenage sweethearts who reunite at a friend’s funeral after many years, and make a pact to help each other experience dignified deaths, rather than slow declines.
Filming on Truelove was initially last year...
The veteran star of stage and screen, 73, was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in 2018.
In 2020, she gave an interview in which she revealed that she had got the all-clear and said that she felt like a “different person” after having cancer.
Walters’ role as Phil in the drama Truelove was set to be her return to TV after a seven-year hiatus (she was last seen in the acclaimed 2016 Channel 4 drama National Treasure).
Walters will be replaced on the show by Lindsay Duncan, who now stars opposite The Wire’s Clarke Peters.
The pair play former teenage sweethearts who reunite at a friend’s funeral after many years, and make a pact to help each other experience dignified deaths, rather than slow declines.
Filming on Truelove was initially last year...
- 3/2/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Everyone knows Russell T Davies is a great writer. Far fewer know he’s a great talker. By the time I meet Davies at a Soho hotel to discuss his latest TV drama, Nolly, a tremendously entertaining three-parter about Crossroads star Noele Gordon, the 59-year-old Welshman has been gabbing all day. He still has plenty of words for the conservative government, however, and their recently abandoned plan to privatise Channel 4. “We were all played by the right wing for a year defending Channel 4 and then they dropped it,” he booms, sounding both furious and friendly. “We were just like yo-yos.”
It’s fair to say that Davies has a vested interest in the subject. He worked with the not-for-profit channel on Queer As Folk, his seminal 1990s gay drama that was rebooted in the US for a second time last year, and It’s a Sin, his gut-wrenching series about...
It’s fair to say that Davies has a vested interest in the subject. He worked with the not-for-profit channel on Queer As Folk, his seminal 1990s gay drama that was rebooted in the US for a second time last year, and It’s a Sin, his gut-wrenching series about...
- 2/1/2023
- by Nick Levine
- The Independent - TV
Warning: this review contains spoilers.
There you have it: the perfect Inside No. 9 specimen. Macabre, comedic, cleverly plotted, with a little bit of pathos and a gruesome end that – unlike ‘The Devil of Christmas’ – punishes the right person. If this show were taught in schools, ‘The Bones of St Nicholas’ would be the exemplar used to illustrate the classic ingredients of Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s show. The setting, the characters, the gags, the reveal, a gross bit about pickling murdered children in brine… this half-hour has it all.
It opens on a snowy and howling Christmas Eve, with the arrival of Pemberton’s Dr Jasper Parkway at a church (filmed at St Mary’s in Rostherne) decorated with twinkling lights and a festive tree. He’s there as part of the C of E’s church-camping or ‘champing’ fundraising initiative – a real programme that lets paying customers bunk...
There you have it: the perfect Inside No. 9 specimen. Macabre, comedic, cleverly plotted, with a little bit of pathos and a gruesome end that – unlike ‘The Devil of Christmas’ – punishes the right person. If this show were taught in schools, ‘The Bones of St Nicholas’ would be the exemplar used to illustrate the classic ingredients of Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s show. The setting, the characters, the gags, the reveal, a gross bit about pickling murdered children in brine… this half-hour has it all.
It opens on a snowy and howling Christmas Eve, with the arrival of Pemberton’s Dr Jasper Parkway at a church (filmed at St Mary’s in Rostherne) decorated with twinkling lights and a festive tree. He’s there as part of the C of E’s church-camping or ‘champing’ fundraising initiative – a real programme that lets paying customers bunk...
- 12/22/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
If you often find yourself envying the lives of the rich and famous, it’s time for the annual antidote as I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! returns to ITV.
Back for a 22nd season, the ratings favourite will see a wide range of celebrities scream, cry and whine their way through scary tasks in a bid to become king or queen of the jungle.
Ant and Dec are presenting once again, giving on-the-ground coverage from Australia, as famous faces such as Matt Hancock, Chris Moyles and Boy George face the Bushtucker Trials.
You can find the full list of 2022 contestants here.
One of the brave celebrities signed up for this season of the survival show is Sue Cleaver – here’s all you need to know about her.
Cleaver was born in Hertfordshire but has had ties to Manchester since childhood. After training at the Manchester Metropolitan School of Theatre,...
Back for a 22nd season, the ratings favourite will see a wide range of celebrities scream, cry and whine their way through scary tasks in a bid to become king or queen of the jungle.
Ant and Dec are presenting once again, giving on-the-ground coverage from Australia, as famous faces such as Matt Hancock, Chris Moyles and Boy George face the Bushtucker Trials.
You can find the full list of 2022 contestants here.
One of the brave celebrities signed up for this season of the survival show is Sue Cleaver – here’s all you need to know about her.
Cleaver was born in Hertfordshire but has had ties to Manchester since childhood. After training at the Manchester Metropolitan School of Theatre,...
- 11/4/2022
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Strictly Come Dancing is set to pay tribute to the BBC’s 100 years this weekend.
The main show on Saturday (22 October) will see each couple dance to a theme tune to a BBC show, or a song heavily featured on the broadcast network.
This will mark the first time that Strictly has based its entire week’s theme on the corporation.
The episode will begin with a group number that will show the Strictly professionals and judges gate crash some of the BBC’s best-known shows.
With several of this year’s celebrity contenders being stars of BBC shows, this week’s theme will feature some of them dancing to the songs that have been a large part of their careers.
James Bye, who plays Martin Fowler in EastEnders, will dance the foxtrot with Amy Dowden to the soap’s theme tune.
Wildlife presenter and cameraman Hamza Yassin, who achieved...
The main show on Saturday (22 October) will see each couple dance to a theme tune to a BBC show, or a song heavily featured on the broadcast network.
This will mark the first time that Strictly has based its entire week’s theme on the corporation.
The episode will begin with a group number that will show the Strictly professionals and judges gate crash some of the BBC’s best-known shows.
With several of this year’s celebrity contenders being stars of BBC shows, this week’s theme will feature some of them dancing to the songs that have been a large part of their careers.
James Bye, who plays Martin Fowler in EastEnders, will dance the foxtrot with Amy Dowden to the soap’s theme tune.
Wildlife presenter and cameraman Hamza Yassin, who achieved...
- 10/17/2022
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Last month, Mock The Week was cancelled after 17 years on air. The satirical comedy was only one of a flurry of modern panel shows featuring teams of comedians, spawning from the format used in Have I Got News For You that emerged during the nineties and noughties. Taking cues from long-running Hignfy which hit TV screens in 1990, popular series such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks and the anarchic, absurd Shooting Stars were followed by the likes of Qi, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Would I Lie To You?, Celebrity Juice and, of course, Mock The Week. But with ratings plummeting and cancellations abounding, is it high time the genre called it a day?
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
These shows were initially a great way to finish off your evening after a long hard day at school or work, just like a late night chat show helps to wind our American friends down after the watershed.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
These shows were initially a great way to finish off your evening after a long hard day at school or work, just like a late night chat show helps to wind our American friends down after the watershed.
- 9/1/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Comedian Ellie Taylor is one of 15 contestants on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
While she is known best for comedy, the 38-year-old has also enjoyed a diverse career in presenting, acting and writing.
Originally from Brentwood in Essex, Taylor began modelling after being spotted while working as an intern.
Deciding it was not for her, she started doing stand-up comedy during her mid-twenties, citing comedians like Victoria Wood as early influences.
Since then, Taylor has appeared in several TV series including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and Plebs.
She’s also presented shows including Snog Marry Avoid? and did a stint of hosting on Heart Radio, regularly filling in for Emma Bunton.
Taylor is a regular on Live At The Apollo and has appeared both as a performer and a host.
Outside of comedy and acting, her debut book, My Child and Other Mistakes, was published...
While she is known best for comedy, the 38-year-old has also enjoyed a diverse career in presenting, acting and writing.
Originally from Brentwood in Essex, Taylor began modelling after being spotted while working as an intern.
Deciding it was not for her, she started doing stand-up comedy during her mid-twenties, citing comedians like Victoria Wood as early influences.
Since then, Taylor has appeared in several TV series including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and Plebs.
She’s also presented shows including Snog Marry Avoid? and did a stint of hosting on Heart Radio, regularly filling in for Emma Bunton.
Taylor is a regular on Live At The Apollo and has appeared both as a performer and a host.
Outside of comedy and acting, her debut book, My Child and Other Mistakes, was published...
- 8/17/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - TV
Film and television director and leading light of arts journalism in the 1960s and 70s
Gavin Millar, who has died aged 84 from a brain tumour, was a leading light of television arts journalism of the 1960s and 70s before going on to direct work by Alan Bennett, Dennis Potter and Victoria Wood.
His richest film was Dreamchild (1985), written by Potter, in which the elderly Alice Liddell (Coral Browne) reflects on her youthful relationship with Charles Dodgson, Aka Lewis Carroll, who used her as the inspiration for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. As well as shaping complex performances from Browne in her final screen appearance, and Ian Holm as the squirming, tormented Dodgson, Millar negotiated tonal shifts and moral ambiguities that might have foxed a less humane or sensitive film-maker.
Gavin Millar, who has died aged 84 from a brain tumour, was a leading light of television arts journalism of the 1960s and 70s before going on to direct work by Alan Bennett, Dennis Potter and Victoria Wood.
His richest film was Dreamchild (1985), written by Potter, in which the elderly Alice Liddell (Coral Browne) reflects on her youthful relationship with Charles Dodgson, Aka Lewis Carroll, who used her as the inspiration for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. As well as shaping complex performances from Browne in her final screen appearance, and Ian Holm as the squirming, tormented Dodgson, Millar negotiated tonal shifts and moral ambiguities that might have foxed a less humane or sensitive film-maker.
- 4/28/2022
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
The intertwining of people’s professional and personal lives often leaves a powerful influence on their general outlook on society. That’s certainly the case for the main characters of the popular late 1990s British sitcom, ‘Dinnerladies.’ The program was created, written and co-produced by lead actress, Victoria Wood. The filmmaker-performer played Brenda “Bren” Furlong, the deputy […]
The post Victoria Wood is Coached For Her Television Appearance on Dinnerladies appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Victoria Wood is Coached For Her Television Appearance on Dinnerladies appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 10/18/2020
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
The intertwining of people’s professional and personal lives often leaves a powerful influence on their general outlook on society. That’s certainly the case for the main characters of the popular late 1990s British sitcom, ‘Dinnerladies.’ The program was created, written and co-produced by lead actress, Victoria Wood. The filmmaker-performer played Brenda “Bren” Furlong, the deputy […]
The post Julie Walters Causes Mayhem in the Office with Her Ill-Considered Romance on Dinnerladies appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Julie Walters Causes Mayhem in the Office with Her Ill-Considered Romance on Dinnerladies appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 8/30/2020
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Sky Studios, the production arm of Comcast’s European pay-tv operator Sky, has taken a minority stake in The Lighthouse. The drama series production outfit was founded last fall by Hilary Salmon, Radford Neville and Nick Betts – three of the U.K.’s most experienced television professionals.
Salmon, former head of drama for BBC Studios, has developed and produced many hit dramas, including “Luther,” “Three Girls,” “MotherFatherSon,” “Rillington Place” and “Silent Witness.” Prior to this she was executive producer on both the BAFTA award-winning series “Criminal Justice,” and the multi-Emmy winning U.S. reversion of the show for HBO – “The Night Of.” Salmon has also co-produced other shows with HBO, including “Five Days” and “House of Saddam,” which won a Grierson Award.
Neville was previously managing director of drama at BBC Studios, and prior to this worked as head of production in drama, overseeing international hit series including “Doctor Who...
Salmon, former head of drama for BBC Studios, has developed and produced many hit dramas, including “Luther,” “Three Girls,” “MotherFatherSon,” “Rillington Place” and “Silent Witness.” Prior to this she was executive producer on both the BAFTA award-winning series “Criminal Justice,” and the multi-Emmy winning U.S. reversion of the show for HBO – “The Night Of.” Salmon has also co-produced other shows with HBO, including “Five Days” and “House of Saddam,” which won a Grierson Award.
Neville was previously managing director of drama at BBC Studios, and prior to this worked as head of production in drama, overseeing international hit series including “Doctor Who...
- 4/23/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Transatlantic production group Red Arrow Studios has agreed a multi-year contract extension with Hilary Bevan Jones, founder and managing director of Endor Productions, the U.K.-based scripted producer of “Vienna Blood” and “Deep State.”
Bevan Jones’s Endor Productions became part of German broadcast giant ProSiebenSat.1’s production subsidiary Red Arrow Studios in 2012.
The deal follows a busy spell for Endor. Its acclaimed recent Orf and Zdf series “Vienna Blood” was acquired by the BBC and PBS, while it has made two seasons of Matthew Parkhill’s “Deep State” for Fox Networks Group. Coming up is new BBC One drama “But When We Dance,” written by Paul Mayhew-Archer.
Last month, ProSiebenSat.1 canceled a proposed sale of Red Arrow Studios — which comprises 20 production companies including Kinetic Content, the producer behind Netflix hit “Love is Bliind” — amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Over her career, Bevan Jones has worked on dramas including: “Roald Dahl...
Bevan Jones’s Endor Productions became part of German broadcast giant ProSiebenSat.1’s production subsidiary Red Arrow Studios in 2012.
The deal follows a busy spell for Endor. Its acclaimed recent Orf and Zdf series “Vienna Blood” was acquired by the BBC and PBS, while it has made two seasons of Matthew Parkhill’s “Deep State” for Fox Networks Group. Coming up is new BBC One drama “But When We Dance,” written by Paul Mayhew-Archer.
Last month, ProSiebenSat.1 canceled a proposed sale of Red Arrow Studios — which comprises 20 production companies including Kinetic Content, the producer behind Netflix hit “Love is Bliind” — amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Over her career, Bevan Jones has worked on dramas including: “Roald Dahl...
- 4/22/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Alex Westthorp Apr 5, 2019
For its 40th anniversary, we revisit Roald Dahl's classic series that kept us guessing and inspired some modern anthology greats...
Tales Of The Unexpected was an anthology series of imaginative and compelling dramas each with a "twist in the tale" produced for the ITV network by Anglia Television. Anthology series on British television had been decidedly sci-fi orientated, hitherto, with the BBC series Out Of The Unknown (1965-71) capitalizing on the imported success of the granddaddy of them all, Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. The story has it that Anglia's Drama supremo Sir John Woolf had a chance meeting with Roald Dahl, master of macabre tall stories, at a Christmas party in 1976. Dahl asked Woolf, "How would you like to make a television series of my stories?" Woolf immediately saw the potential and commissioned Dahl to adapt some of his best stories for a series...
For its 40th anniversary, we revisit Roald Dahl's classic series that kept us guessing and inspired some modern anthology greats...
Tales Of The Unexpected was an anthology series of imaginative and compelling dramas each with a "twist in the tale" produced for the ITV network by Anglia Television. Anthology series on British television had been decidedly sci-fi orientated, hitherto, with the BBC series Out Of The Unknown (1965-71) capitalizing on the imported success of the granddaddy of them all, Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. The story has it that Anglia's Drama supremo Sir John Woolf had a chance meeting with Roald Dahl, master of macabre tall stories, at a Christmas party in 1976. Dahl asked Woolf, "How would you like to make a television series of my stories?" Woolf immediately saw the potential and commissioned Dahl to adapt some of his best stories for a series...
- 4/5/2019
- Den of Geek
Sarah Silverman, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Stewart Lee, Garry Shandling and Victoria Wood feature in this film about the craft and catharsis of comedy
A murderer’s row of standup talent has been assembled for this documentary on the craft and catharsis of comedy. Chris Rock, Steve Coogan, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman and Stewart Lee are among the many faces providing testimony to the euphoria and agony that telling jokes to a group of strangers can bring. The film is stronger on the latter point, with some savagely funny accounts of the many ways that comedians deal with hecklers, and one devastating account of a gig going horribly wrong.
The endless conveyor belt of talking heads does rather lose its lustre over time, and some actual standup would have been welcome, but there’s a dizzying amount of insight, not to mention a real poignancy to some of the contributors:...
A murderer’s row of standup talent has been assembled for this documentary on the craft and catharsis of comedy. Chris Rock, Steve Coogan, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman and Stewart Lee are among the many faces providing testimony to the euphoria and agony that telling jokes to a group of strangers can bring. The film is stronger on the latter point, with some savagely funny accounts of the many ways that comedians deal with hecklers, and one devastating account of a gig going horribly wrong.
The endless conveyor belt of talking heads does rather lose its lustre over time, and some actual standup would have been welcome, but there’s a dizzying amount of insight, not to mention a real poignancy to some of the contributors:...
- 6/16/2017
- by Gwilym Mumford
- The Guardian - Film News
Simon Brew Dec 29, 2016
Just a small salute to some of the musical work of the late, great Victoria Wood...
I know this might read a bit clickbaity, but genuinely, I always adored the work of the late, great Victoria Wood. Of the many punches to the gut that 2016 gave us, her loss one of the heaviest. What an immense talent: a wonderful writer, performer and human being.
But what a body of work she leaves behind. I had the pleasure of seeing her perform live once, at a gig in Blackpool where she had more than a few words to say about the brown wallpaper. It was such a joyful evening.
I have a particular fondness for her songs. Writing comedy songs is such an incredible skill, and performing them with such gusto no easier. I dunno. Seeing Wood, smiling, clearly having a ball, belting out these numbers, makes the...
Just a small salute to some of the musical work of the late, great Victoria Wood...
I know this might read a bit clickbaity, but genuinely, I always adored the work of the late, great Victoria Wood. Of the many punches to the gut that 2016 gave us, her loss one of the heaviest. What an immense talent: a wonderful writer, performer and human being.
But what a body of work she leaves behind. I had the pleasure of seeing her perform live once, at a gig in Blackpool where she had more than a few words to say about the brown wallpaper. It was such a joyful evening.
I have a particular fondness for her songs. Writing comedy songs is such an incredible skill, and performing them with such gusto no easier. I dunno. Seeing Wood, smiling, clearly having a ball, belting out these numbers, makes the...
- 12/21/2016
- Den of Geek
Louisa Mellor Dec 12, 2016
We’ve taken a pen to the UK Christmas TV and radio schedules and circled the shows we’re looking forward to. Add yours below!
Amid the cosy repeats, big movies and inescapable cranberry-stuffed cookery shows on TV this month are a few original gems. Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s Inside No. 9 festive special The Devil Of Christmas (Tuesday the 27th of December, 10pm, BBC Two) is top of our must-watch list. Hot on its heels is Yonderland’s family friendly Yonder Yuletide (Saturday the 24th of December, 6.30pm, Sky One). Another for families on Sky is the Christmas Day Jasper Fforde adaptation The Last Dragonslayer, while Channel 4 has the non-festive-but-essential-for-fans-of smart-sci-fi Humans series two finale (Sunday the 18th of December, 9pm).
See related James Cameron's Avatar: five years on Avatar review
Not to forget, of course, the Doctor Who Christmas Special, a brand-new series of Sherlock,...
We’ve taken a pen to the UK Christmas TV and radio schedules and circled the shows we’re looking forward to. Add yours below!
Amid the cosy repeats, big movies and inescapable cranberry-stuffed cookery shows on TV this month are a few original gems. Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s Inside No. 9 festive special The Devil Of Christmas (Tuesday the 27th of December, 10pm, BBC Two) is top of our must-watch list. Hot on its heels is Yonderland’s family friendly Yonder Yuletide (Saturday the 24th of December, 6.30pm, Sky One). Another for families on Sky is the Christmas Day Jasper Fforde adaptation The Last Dragonslayer, while Channel 4 has the non-festive-but-essential-for-fans-of smart-sci-fi Humans series two finale (Sunday the 18th of December, 9pm).
See related James Cameron's Avatar: five years on Avatar review
Not to forget, of course, the Doctor Who Christmas Special, a brand-new series of Sherlock,...
- 12/9/2016
- Den of Geek
Louisa Mellor Sep 26, 2016
When life hurts, well-crafted, traditional sitcom like Count Arthur Strong can be an indispensable salve…
There’s a period a little while after a family death, after the days spent in a traffic jam of errands, decisions and phone calls, when you have to merge back into the regular lane. Normal life demands to re-start. The fridge needs filling and the lawn needs mowing, even if, impossibly, the person who usually does both has vanished forever.
For my family like most others, normal life means watching television. Telly is the cradle that rocked us through the decades. Whatever happened to us happened against a backdrop of soaps and sitcoms.
Losing our dad though, changed things. In the flayed-skin sensitivity of the days around his funeral, flicking through the channels meant running a gauntlet. A murder on EastEnders brought unwelcome ambulances and coroners back into our living room.
When life hurts, well-crafted, traditional sitcom like Count Arthur Strong can be an indispensable salve…
There’s a period a little while after a family death, after the days spent in a traffic jam of errands, decisions and phone calls, when you have to merge back into the regular lane. Normal life demands to re-start. The fridge needs filling and the lawn needs mowing, even if, impossibly, the person who usually does both has vanished forever.
For my family like most others, normal life means watching television. Telly is the cradle that rocked us through the decades. Whatever happened to us happened against a backdrop of soaps and sitcoms.
Losing our dad though, changed things. In the flayed-skin sensitivity of the days around his funeral, flicking through the channels meant running a gauntlet. A murder on EastEnders brought unwelcome ambulances and coroners back into our living room.
- 9/25/2016
- Den of Geek
Chicago International Film Festival 2016’s “After Dark” Lineup Includes The Autopsy Of Jane Doe, Raw
The Chicago International Film Festival 2016 announced its full lineup, and it includes Julia Ducournau's Raw, the previously announced 4K restoration of Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, The Eyes of My Mother, and The Autopsy of Jane Doe, starring Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch.
Press Release: Chicago (September 13, 2016) The Chicago International Film Festival today announces Opening and Closing Night selections, as well as the full slate of films included in the Festival’s U.S. Indies, Spotlight: Musicals and After Dark categories. Chicago will play host to gala screenings of Damien Chazelle’s La La Land and Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival as respective bookends to the 52nd Festival, opening on October 13th and closing on October 27th. A full list of these newly announced programs is below and at www.chicagofilmfestival.com. Tickets for these events and all film screenings go on sale September 21st for Cinema/Chicago members...
Press Release: Chicago (September 13, 2016) The Chicago International Film Festival today announces Opening and Closing Night selections, as well as the full slate of films included in the Festival’s U.S. Indies, Spotlight: Musicals and After Dark categories. Chicago will play host to gala screenings of Damien Chazelle’s La La Land and Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival as respective bookends to the 52nd Festival, opening on October 13th and closing on October 27th. A full list of these newly announced programs is below and at www.chicagofilmfestival.com. Tickets for these events and all film screenings go on sale September 21st for Cinema/Chicago members...
- 9/21/2016
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
British comedian Victoria Wood died in London Wednesday morning after a battle with cancer. She was 62. “The multi BAFTA award-winning writer, director, actor and comedian died peacefully at her north London home with family this morning,” her publicist, Neil Reading, said in a statement. “The family asks for privacy at this very sad time.” Wood, although not particularly well known in the United States, was a major star in the United Kingdom, who won her first BAFTA TV Award in 1986 for “Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV,” and most recently took home two more in 2007 for ITV drama “Housewife,...
- 4/20/2016
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
Celebrated British comedian and writer Victoria Wood, who blazed a trail in the 1980s with her series Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV , has died after what was described as a “short but brave” battle with cancer. She was 62. Her publicist Neil Reading confirmed the news Wednesday. “The multi BAFTA Award-winning writer, director, actor and comedian died peacefully at her north London home with family this morning,” he said. “The family ask for privacy at this very sad…...
- 4/20/2016
- Deadline TV
Celebrated British comedian and writer Victoria Wood, who blazed a trail in the 1980s with her series Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV , has died after what was described as a “short but brave” battle with cancer. She was 62. Her publicist Neil Reading confirmed the news Wednesday. “The multi BAFTA Award-winning writer, director, actor and comedian died peacefully at her north London home with family this morning,” he said. “The family ask for privacy at this very sad…...
- 4/20/2016
- Deadline
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Very sad news: comedian Victoria Wood has died following a battle with cancer...
Some extremely sad news. Writer, musician, actor and comedy hero Victoria Wood has died following a short battle with cancer.
The news was confirmed this afternoon by her publicist.
One of the most gifted writers and performers in UK comedy, and an inspiration to so many who followed her into the profession, her loss will be deeply, deeply felt.
Wood's writing, performing and composing career began almost forty years ago and her success made her a familiar face on television since the 1980s. From Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV to her many collaborations with Julie Walters, to nineties comedy series Dinnerladies to 2014 comedy drama screenplay That Day We Sang, to everything in between, her work was guaranteed to combine sharp wit, warmth and laughter.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends at...
google+
Very sad news: comedian Victoria Wood has died following a battle with cancer...
Some extremely sad news. Writer, musician, actor and comedy hero Victoria Wood has died following a short battle with cancer.
The news was confirmed this afternoon by her publicist.
One of the most gifted writers and performers in UK comedy, and an inspiration to so many who followed her into the profession, her loss will be deeply, deeply felt.
Wood's writing, performing and composing career began almost forty years ago and her success made her a familiar face on television since the 1980s. From Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV to her many collaborations with Julie Walters, to nineties comedy series Dinnerladies to 2014 comedy drama screenplay That Day We Sang, to everything in between, her work was guaranteed to combine sharp wit, warmth and laughter.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends at...
- 4/20/2016
- Den of Geek
John Thomson will front a new stand-up comedy series for Gold.
The Cold Feet actor is bringing his alter ego Bernard Righton to the channel for six-part series Legends of Stand-Up & Bernard Righton.
The series will celebrate some of the world's greatest comedy stars, and will use archive footage to revisit some of their best moments.
Righton will add his own original material in between segments featuring stars like Victoria Wood, Tommy Cooper and Joan Rivers.
Iain Coyle, Commissioning Editor at UKTV, said: "This is the perfect format, the very best of classic stand-up, hosted by one of my favourite ever comedy creations.
"I've genuinely been crying laughing in the meetings for this show - I might have to be restrained when I watch it on the telly."
Thomson has written the series alongside John Quinn, Nigel Alred, Willy Norton and Mike Williams.
The Cold Feet actor is bringing his alter ego Bernard Righton to the channel for six-part series Legends of Stand-Up & Bernard Righton.
The series will celebrate some of the world's greatest comedy stars, and will use archive footage to revisit some of their best moments.
Righton will add his own original material in between segments featuring stars like Victoria Wood, Tommy Cooper and Joan Rivers.
Iain Coyle, Commissioning Editor at UKTV, said: "This is the perfect format, the very best of classic stand-up, hosted by one of my favourite ever comedy creations.
"I've genuinely been crying laughing in the meetings for this show - I might have to be restrained when I watch it on the telly."
Thomson has written the series alongside John Quinn, Nigel Alred, Willy Norton and Mike Williams.
- 6/25/2015
- Digital Spy
Timothy Spall will lead the cast of Sky1's Fungus the Bogeyman adaptation.
The actor will star alongside Keeley Hawes, Andy Serkis and Victoria Wood in the four-part series, which will air this Christmas.
Spall takes the title role, while Wood, Hawes and Marc Warren will play "dry cleaners".
Serkis has signed on as the narrator, while The Thick of It's Joanna Scanlan will play Fungus's wife Bogeywife Mildrew. Game of Thrones actor Paul Kaye will play the Bogeyhunter.
The popular tale has been adapted for television by Tom MacRae, who has previously worked on Doctor Who and Comedy Central's Threesome.
Spall said of his casting: "Fungus has brought joy to generations of children and I am so thrilled to be playing such a beloved character.
"It's great to be working with Sky again and the skilled folk at Imaginarium to bring Fungus the Bogeyman out of the...
The actor will star alongside Keeley Hawes, Andy Serkis and Victoria Wood in the four-part series, which will air this Christmas.
Spall takes the title role, while Wood, Hawes and Marc Warren will play "dry cleaners".
Serkis has signed on as the narrator, while The Thick of It's Joanna Scanlan will play Fungus's wife Bogeywife Mildrew. Game of Thrones actor Paul Kaye will play the Bogeyhunter.
The popular tale has been adapted for television by Tom MacRae, who has previously worked on Doctor Who and Comedy Central's Threesome.
Spall said of his casting: "Fungus has brought joy to generations of children and I am so thrilled to be playing such a beloved character.
"It's great to be working with Sky again and the skilled folk at Imaginarium to bring Fungus the Bogeyman out of the...
- 4/20/2015
- Digital Spy
Jason-Isaacs-in-Case-Histories
Within the crowded field of British detective shows, Case Histories truly stands out as one of the very best contemporary dramas in recent years. It’s not as gloomy as Vera, not as gory as Luther, and it lacks the frivolity of Midsomer Murders. What it does offer is a realistic central character played brilliantly by Harry Potter bad-guy Jason Isaacs. Jackson Brodie (Isaacs) is broody but he’s positively jovial when compared with Wallander. He’s something of a lady’s man and could be described as Scotland’s answer to Jim Bergerac only with a penchant for cigarettes rather than booze. Brodie has his demons and he’s not immune to the odd cock-up but he’s a good guy at heart and he usually unravels the perplexing mysteries that land in his lap.
Case Histories ran for two seasons each comprised of three feature length mysteries.
Within the crowded field of British detective shows, Case Histories truly stands out as one of the very best contemporary dramas in recent years. It’s not as gloomy as Vera, not as gory as Luther, and it lacks the frivolity of Midsomer Murders. What it does offer is a realistic central character played brilliantly by Harry Potter bad-guy Jason Isaacs. Jackson Brodie (Isaacs) is broody but he’s positively jovial when compared with Wallander. He’s something of a lady’s man and could be described as Scotland’s answer to Jim Bergerac only with a penchant for cigarettes rather than booze. Brodie has his demons and he’s not immune to the odd cock-up but he’s a good guy at heart and he usually unravels the perplexing mysteries that land in his lap.
Case Histories ran for two seasons each comprised of three feature length mysteries.
- 3/18/2015
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Comic Relief has officially raised over £1 billion for charity since the project started 30 years ago, with £78,082,988m already achieved for this year's fundraiser.
The Red Nose Day event, which launched in 1985, broadcast live from the London Palladium for the first time on Friday night (March 13).
More Than - One Billion Pounds over the past 30 years. Britain you are great. #ComicRelief pic.twitter.com/vltoquePDl
— Red Nose Day (@rednoseday) March 14, 2015
Richard Curtis, founder and vice chair of Comic Relief, said: "This is a very strange moment for me. When a bunch of comedians got together all those years ago we dreamed of raising a million or two, and never imagined the generosity that would be shown by the British public for so many years.
"Figures tell us that the billion pounds have helped around 50 million people in the UK and overseas, 50 million people whose lives have been changed or saved by...
The Red Nose Day event, which launched in 1985, broadcast live from the London Palladium for the first time on Friday night (March 13).
More Than - One Billion Pounds over the past 30 years. Britain you are great. #ComicRelief pic.twitter.com/vltoquePDl
— Red Nose Day (@rednoseday) March 14, 2015
Richard Curtis, founder and vice chair of Comic Relief, said: "This is a very strange moment for me. When a bunch of comedians got together all those years ago we dreamed of raising a million or two, and never imagined the generosity that would be shown by the British public for so many years.
"Figures tell us that the billion pounds have helped around 50 million people in the UK and overseas, 50 million people whose lives have been changed or saved by...
- 3/14/2015
- Digital Spy
Victoria Wood has been named winner of The Great Comic Relief Bake Off.
The comedian was revealed as the champion of the charity series The Great Comic Relief Bake Off – An Extra Slice this evening (March 13).
Having won their individual episodes, Wood, Michael Sheen, Gok Wan and Jennifer Saunders discussed their efforts with hosts Jo Brand, Mary Berry, Frank Skinner and Howard Middleton.
The finalists submitted their Red Nose Day cakes for consideration. After much deliberation, Wood was named winner of the series.
The likes of Joanna Lumley, Lulu, Dame Edna Everage, Jonathan Ross, Zoella, Abbey Clancy, Sarah Brown, David Mitchell, Jameela Jamil, Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles and Kayvan Novak tested their baking skills for charity over the course of the series.
Meanwhile, Dermot O'Leary completed his 24-hour dance marathon for Comic Relief earlier in the evening.
Cassidy Little was named as the winner of The People's Strictly for Comic...
The comedian was revealed as the champion of the charity series The Great Comic Relief Bake Off – An Extra Slice this evening (March 13).
Having won their individual episodes, Wood, Michael Sheen, Gok Wan and Jennifer Saunders discussed their efforts with hosts Jo Brand, Mary Berry, Frank Skinner and Howard Middleton.
The finalists submitted their Red Nose Day cakes for consideration. After much deliberation, Wood was named winner of the series.
The likes of Joanna Lumley, Lulu, Dame Edna Everage, Jonathan Ross, Zoella, Abbey Clancy, Sarah Brown, David Mitchell, Jameela Jamil, Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles and Kayvan Novak tested their baking skills for charity over the course of the series.
Meanwhile, Dermot O'Leary completed his 24-hour dance marathon for Comic Relief earlier in the evening.
Cassidy Little was named as the winner of The People's Strictly for Comic...
- 3/13/2015
- Digital Spy
It's been short and sweet - much like one of Mary Berry's pastries - but The Great Comic Relief Bake Off had its final heat tonight (all four Star Bakers will compete again on Comic Relief night).
We rounded things off with a good one, though, as Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles, Kayvan Novak and Victoria Wood battled it out in the tent watched by Mary, Paul and guest host Ed Byrne. Read on for the 14 funniest moments tonight...
1. Alexa's baking experience.
Er, she had none. "I keep my shoes in the oven," she said. "I literally haven't turned the oven on for three years. That is a fact." A sad, sad, sad fact. (Alexa turned out to be kind of brilliant at the baking thing, bizarrely.)
2. Kayvan's misplaced confidence.
"I've never baked before, but I imagine myself to be an excellent baker, because I do most things well so why not baking as well?...
We rounded things off with a good one, though, as Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles, Kayvan Novak and Victoria Wood battled it out in the tent watched by Mary, Paul and guest host Ed Byrne. Read on for the 14 funniest moments tonight...
1. Alexa's baking experience.
Er, she had none. "I keep my shoes in the oven," she said. "I literally haven't turned the oven on for three years. That is a fact." A sad, sad, sad fact. (Alexa turned out to be kind of brilliant at the baking thing, bizarrely.)
2. Kayvan's misplaced confidence.
"I've never baked before, but I imagine myself to be an excellent baker, because I do most things well so why not baking as well?...
- 3/4/2015
- Digital Spy
Victoria Wood has been named as Star Baker on The Great Comic Relief Bake Off tonight (March 4).
The final episode of the four-part charity version of Bake Off saw Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles, Kayvan Novak and Wood compete against one anther for charity.
The celebrities were tasked with baking brownies, crumpets and show-stopping self-portrait vegetable cakes.
While Moyles struggled throughout, there was tough competition between the other three contestants but it was the comedienne who eventually came out on top.
Wood earns a place alongside Michael Sheen, Gok Wan and Jennifer Saunders on a special edition of The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, which will air on Red Nose Day (March 13).
The show will see the four Star Bakers from the series face off to win the Champion of Champions title.
And the winner ... #VictoriaWood is your Episode 4 Star Baker ... #GBBOComicRelief pic.twitter.com/BTTEH29twV
— Red Nose...
The final episode of the four-part charity version of Bake Off saw Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles, Kayvan Novak and Wood compete against one anther for charity.
The celebrities were tasked with baking brownies, crumpets and show-stopping self-portrait vegetable cakes.
While Moyles struggled throughout, there was tough competition between the other three contestants but it was the comedienne who eventually came out on top.
Wood earns a place alongside Michael Sheen, Gok Wan and Jennifer Saunders on a special edition of The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, which will air on Red Nose Day (March 13).
The show will see the four Star Bakers from the series face off to win the Champion of Champions title.
And the winner ... #VictoriaWood is your Episode 4 Star Baker ... #GBBOComicRelief pic.twitter.com/BTTEH29twV
— Red Nose...
- 3/4/2015
- Digital Spy
The Great Comic Relief Bake Off: BBC One, 8pm
It's the final Bake Off for Comic Relief - at least until the champions (including Gok Wan and Michael Sheen) face off on the night itself.
Tonight, it's Chris Moyles, Alexa Chung, Kayvan Novak and Victoria Wood hoping to out-do each other in the kitchen and impress Paul and Mary.
The People's Strictly for Comic Relief: BBC One, 9pm
More fun for Comic Relief, as this non-celebrity variant on Strictly Come Dancing continues, with three more members of the public putting on their dancing shoes.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman narrate the contestants' heart-warming stories, revealing just why they were picked for this special event.
Dci Banks: ITV, 9pm
Stephen Tompkinson returns for a fourth series as the sour-faced detective, who has even more cause to look miserable this time round.
After suffering a personal loss, Banks is forced to...
It's the final Bake Off for Comic Relief - at least until the champions (including Gok Wan and Michael Sheen) face off on the night itself.
Tonight, it's Chris Moyles, Alexa Chung, Kayvan Novak and Victoria Wood hoping to out-do each other in the kitchen and impress Paul and Mary.
The People's Strictly for Comic Relief: BBC One, 9pm
More fun for Comic Relief, as this non-celebrity variant on Strictly Come Dancing continues, with three more members of the public putting on their dancing shoes.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman narrate the contestants' heart-warming stories, revealing just why they were picked for this special event.
Dci Banks: ITV, 9pm
Stephen Tompkinson returns for a fourth series as the sour-faced detective, who has even more cause to look miserable this time round.
After suffering a personal loss, Banks is forced to...
- 3/4/2015
- Digital Spy
There's just one spot left in the Great Comic Relief Bake Off final, and tonight four more celebrities will battle it out under the watchful eye of Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood.
Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles, Kayvan Novak and Victoria Wood will compete for the title of Star Baker, and the chance to join Jennifer Saunders, Gok Wan and Michael Sheen in the final.
As our exclusive pictures show, model and presenter Chung faced an uphill battle, after admitting that she hasn't switched on an oven in years.
"I keep my shoes in the oven," she revealed. "I haven't turned my oven on for three years. That is a fact."
Former Radio 1 DJ Moyles was feeling the nerves too: "I'm petrified. Baking is a science. I'm not very good at science, I never was."
Victoria Wood was equally apprehensive, explaining that she feared being the "one who drops everything and...
Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles, Kayvan Novak and Victoria Wood will compete for the title of Star Baker, and the chance to join Jennifer Saunders, Gok Wan and Michael Sheen in the final.
As our exclusive pictures show, model and presenter Chung faced an uphill battle, after admitting that she hasn't switched on an oven in years.
"I keep my shoes in the oven," she revealed. "I haven't turned my oven on for three years. That is a fact."
Former Radio 1 DJ Moyles was feeling the nerves too: "I'm petrified. Baking is a science. I'm not very good at science, I never was."
Victoria Wood was equally apprehensive, explaining that she feared being the "one who drops everything and...
- 3/4/2015
- Digital Spy
Michael Sheen has been named as Star Baker on The Great Comic Relief Bake Off tonight (February 25).
The third episode of the four-part charity version of Bake Off saw Sarah Brown, David Mitchell and Jameela Jamil compete against one anther for charity.
Sheen earned a place alongside Gok Wan and Jennifer Saunders on a special edition of The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, which will air on Red Nose Day (March 13).
The show will see the four Star Bakers from the series face off to win the Champion of Champions title.
Episode four stars Victoria Wood, Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles and Kayvan Novak.
The Great Comic Relief Bake Off continues next Wednesday (March 4) at 8.30pm on BBC One.
The third episode of the four-part charity version of Bake Off saw Sarah Brown, David Mitchell and Jameela Jamil compete against one anther for charity.
Sheen earned a place alongside Gok Wan and Jennifer Saunders on a special edition of The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, which will air on Red Nose Day (March 13).
The show will see the four Star Bakers from the series face off to win the Champion of Champions title.
Episode four stars Victoria Wood, Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles and Kayvan Novak.
The Great Comic Relief Bake Off continues next Wednesday (March 4) at 8.30pm on BBC One.
- 2/25/2015
- Digital Spy
Gok Wan has been named as Star Baker on The Great Comic Relief Bake Off tonight (February 18).
The second episode of the four-part charity version of Bake Off saw Gok Wan face off with Abbey Clancy, Jonathan Ross and Zoe Sugg by making cupcakes and creating a signature bake based on their favourite buildings.
Gok Wan earned his place alongside Jennifer Saunders on a special edition of The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, which will air on Red Nose Day (March 13).
The show will see the four Star Bakers from the series face off to win the Champion of Champions title.
Episode three stars Sarah Brown, David Mitchell, Michael Sheen and Jameela Jamil, while Victoria Wood, Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles and Kayvan Novak will appear on episode four.
The Great Comic Relief Bake Off continues next Wednesday (February 25) at 8.30pm on BBC One.
The second episode of the four-part charity version of Bake Off saw Gok Wan face off with Abbey Clancy, Jonathan Ross and Zoe Sugg by making cupcakes and creating a signature bake based on their favourite buildings.
Gok Wan earned his place alongside Jennifer Saunders on a special edition of The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, which will air on Red Nose Day (March 13).
The show will see the four Star Bakers from the series face off to win the Champion of Champions title.
Episode three stars Sarah Brown, David Mitchell, Michael Sheen and Jameela Jamil, while Victoria Wood, Alexa Chung, Chris Moyles and Kayvan Novak will appear on episode four.
The Great Comic Relief Bake Off continues next Wednesday (February 25) at 8.30pm on BBC One.
- 2/18/2015
- Digital Spy
Jennifer Saunders has been named as Star Baker on The Great Comic Relief Bake Off.
The first episode of the four-part charity version of Bake Off saw Saunders face off with Absolutely Fabulous co-star Joanna Lumley, Lulu and Dame Edna Everage by baking a giant biscuit and creating a signature chocolate cake.
The Great Comic Relief Bake Off: The 16 funniest moments tonight
Saunders earned her place on a special edition of The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, which will air on Red Nose Day (March 13).
The show will see the four Star Bakers from the series face off to win the Champion of Champions title.
The next episode features Jonathan Ross, Gok Wan, Zoella and Abbey Clancy as they attempt to impress with cupcakes and a marble cake in the shape of their favourite building.
Episode three stars Sarah Brown, David Mitchell, Michael Sheen and Jameela Jamil, while Victoria Wood,...
The first episode of the four-part charity version of Bake Off saw Saunders face off with Absolutely Fabulous co-star Joanna Lumley, Lulu and Dame Edna Everage by baking a giant biscuit and creating a signature chocolate cake.
The Great Comic Relief Bake Off: The 16 funniest moments tonight
Saunders earned her place on a special edition of The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, which will air on Red Nose Day (March 13).
The show will see the four Star Bakers from the series face off to win the Champion of Champions title.
The next episode features Jonathan Ross, Gok Wan, Zoella and Abbey Clancy as they attempt to impress with cupcakes and a marble cake in the shape of their favourite building.
Episode three stars Sarah Brown, David Mitchell, Michael Sheen and Jameela Jamil, while Victoria Wood,...
- 2/11/2015
- Digital Spy
The Great Comic Relief Bake Off will return next week with an all-star cast of celebrities - from Alexa Chung to Zoella.
The charity version of the hit BBC show will be back for four more episodes as famous faces attempt to please Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, all in the name of charity.
The show will even feature the return of Chris Moyles to the BBC following his departure from Radio 1 in 2012.
The first episode will see Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders, Lulu and Dame Edna Everage face off by baking a giant biscuit and creating a signature chocolate cake inspired by a memorable event.
The following week features Jonathan Ross, Gok Wan, Zoella and Abbey Clancy as they attempt to impress with cupcakes and a marble cake in the shape of their favourite building.
Episode three stars Sarah Brown, David Mitchell, Michael Sheen and Jameela Jamil, all of whom...
The charity version of the hit BBC show will be back for four more episodes as famous faces attempt to please Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, all in the name of charity.
The show will even feature the return of Chris Moyles to the BBC following his departure from Radio 1 in 2012.
The first episode will see Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders, Lulu and Dame Edna Everage face off by baking a giant biscuit and creating a signature chocolate cake inspired by a memorable event.
The following week features Jonathan Ross, Gok Wan, Zoella and Abbey Clancy as they attempt to impress with cupcakes and a marble cake in the shape of their favourite building.
Episode three stars Sarah Brown, David Mitchell, Michael Sheen and Jameela Jamil, all of whom...
- 2/3/2015
- Digital Spy
BBC One came out on top in the Boxing Day ratings thanks to Still Open All Hours and Marvel's Avengers Assemble.
The first in a new series of the updated Sir David Jason sitcom attracted 5.69m viewers (26.7%) from 6.30pm, while the comic book movie pulled in 5.28m (24.3%) at 8.30pm.
David Walliams's The Boy in the Dress was seen by 4.80m (21.3%) at 7pm, before EastEnders topped the night overall with 7.41m (33.3%).
A packed Match of the Day rounded off the night with 3.24m (29.7%).
Birds of a Feather's return grabbed 3.95m (17.6%) for ITV at 9pm, before which Bradley Walsh's Christmas Cracker show entertained 2.77m (12.6%).
A festive offering of Keith Lemon's Through the Keyhole tickled 2.74m (12.6%) at 9.30pm.
On Channel 4, the midseason finale of Agents of Shield thrilled 580k (2.6%), an encore showing of Bear's Wild Weekend with Ben Stiller took 870k (4.0%), and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year...
The first in a new series of the updated Sir David Jason sitcom attracted 5.69m viewers (26.7%) from 6.30pm, while the comic book movie pulled in 5.28m (24.3%) at 8.30pm.
David Walliams's The Boy in the Dress was seen by 4.80m (21.3%) at 7pm, before EastEnders topped the night overall with 7.41m (33.3%).
A packed Match of the Day rounded off the night with 3.24m (29.7%).
Birds of a Feather's return grabbed 3.95m (17.6%) for ITV at 9pm, before which Bradley Walsh's Christmas Cracker show entertained 2.77m (12.6%).
A festive offering of Keith Lemon's Through the Keyhole tickled 2.74m (12.6%) at 9.30pm.
On Channel 4, the midseason finale of Agents of Shield thrilled 580k (2.6%), an encore showing of Bear's Wild Weekend with Ben Stiller took 870k (4.0%), and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year...
- 12/27/2014
- Digital Spy
Skyfall has led this year's Christmas Eve primetime ratings outside of soaps, according to overnight data.
ITV's terrestrial premiere of Daniel Craig's third outing as James Bond was seen by 6.33m (28%) at 8pm.
Meanwhile, BBC One's most-viewed evening programme outside of soaps was Toy Story 3, airing to 4.73m (23.1%) from 6.30pm.
At 8.30pm, Harry Hill's Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm enchanted 3.6m (15.9%), with 3.2m (13.9%) watching the last episode in the current series of Not Going Out at 9.30pm.
A re-run of a classic Vicar of Dibley festive episode aired to 2.85m (13.9%) at 10pm, while a repeat of the Mrs Brown's Boys 2013 Christmas special 'Buckin' Mammy' was seen by 4.26m (26.4%) at 11pm.
Over on BBC Two, part two of The Choir: New Military Wives aired to 1.94m (8.5%) at 8.30pm, while Julie Walters: A Life on Screen was seen by 1.74m (7.7%) an hour later.
Earlier in the evening,...
ITV's terrestrial premiere of Daniel Craig's third outing as James Bond was seen by 6.33m (28%) at 8pm.
Meanwhile, BBC One's most-viewed evening programme outside of soaps was Toy Story 3, airing to 4.73m (23.1%) from 6.30pm.
At 8.30pm, Harry Hill's Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm enchanted 3.6m (15.9%), with 3.2m (13.9%) watching the last episode in the current series of Not Going Out at 9.30pm.
A re-run of a classic Vicar of Dibley festive episode aired to 2.85m (13.9%) at 10pm, while a repeat of the Mrs Brown's Boys 2013 Christmas special 'Buckin' Mammy' was seen by 4.26m (26.4%) at 11pm.
Over on BBC Two, part two of The Choir: New Military Wives aired to 1.94m (8.5%) at 8.30pm, while Julie Walters: A Life on Screen was seen by 1.74m (7.7%) an hour later.
Earlier in the evening,...
- 12/25/2014
- Digital Spy
I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! was Friday's (December 5) highest-rated show with an average audience of 7.48 million (33.5%).
Featuring a double elimination, the show peaked with 7.7 million (33.3%) at 9.30pm on ITV.
An average audience of 326k (2%) watched on ITV+1, while I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here Now! was seen by 656k (4.7%) on ITV2 at 10.30pm.
The Martin Lewis Money Show also secured strong ratings for ITV, with 3.23 million (15.4%) tuning in at 8pm.
Have I Got News For You was BBC One's highest-rated show of the evening, securing viewing figures of 4.02 million (17.2%) at 9pm.
BBC One's evening kicked off with 3.77 million (20.2%) for The One Show at 7pm, followed by 3.27 million (16.5%) for The Two Ronnies Sketchbook.
Citizen Khan picked up 2.95 million (13.5%) at 8.30pm, while Not Going Out was seen by 2.89 million viewers (12.5%) at 9.30pm.
With guests such as Michael Keaton, Ian McKellen and Victoria Wood, The Graham Norton Show...
Featuring a double elimination, the show peaked with 7.7 million (33.3%) at 9.30pm on ITV.
An average audience of 326k (2%) watched on ITV+1, while I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here Now! was seen by 656k (4.7%) on ITV2 at 10.30pm.
The Martin Lewis Money Show also secured strong ratings for ITV, with 3.23 million (15.4%) tuning in at 8pm.
Have I Got News For You was BBC One's highest-rated show of the evening, securing viewing figures of 4.02 million (17.2%) at 9pm.
BBC One's evening kicked off with 3.77 million (20.2%) for The One Show at 7pm, followed by 3.27 million (16.5%) for The Two Ronnies Sketchbook.
Citizen Khan picked up 2.95 million (13.5%) at 8.30pm, while Not Going Out was seen by 2.89 million viewers (12.5%) at 9.30pm.
With guests such as Michael Keaton, Ian McKellen and Victoria Wood, The Graham Norton Show...
- 12/6/2014
- Digital Spy
Julie Walters is one of those people who really does seem like a national treasure. She's done it all, from comedy to drama, over an amazing career that earned her a BAFTA Fellowship earlier this year.
We were lucky enough to pop along to a Q&A with Julie last night - launching BAFTA's new live strand A Life in Television - and she was funny, interesting and always entertaining. We've collected together just 18 amazing things we learned - from why Educating Rita made her cry to her crush on Hugh Bonneville to why dancing and Julie do not mix. Read on for all that and much more...
1. She cried when she first saw Educating Rita because she thought she was "terrible".
"I'd done Educating Rita on stage, Willy Russell's play, and then Lewis Gilbert came along and said, 'Do you want to be in a film, darling?'...
We were lucky enough to pop along to a Q&A with Julie last night - launching BAFTA's new live strand A Life in Television - and she was funny, interesting and always entertaining. We've collected together just 18 amazing things we learned - from why Educating Rita made her cry to her crush on Hugh Bonneville to why dancing and Julie do not mix. Read on for all that and much more...
1. She cried when she first saw Educating Rita because she thought she was "terrible".
"I'd done Educating Rita on stage, Willy Russell's play, and then Lewis Gilbert came along and said, 'Do you want to be in a film, darling?'...
- 12/4/2014
- Digital Spy
Julie Walters is one of those people who really does seem like a national treasure. She's done it all, from comedy to drama, over an amazing career that earned her a BAFTA Fellowship earlier this year.
We were lucky enough to pop along to a Q&A with Julie last night - launching BAFTA's new live strand A Life in Television - and she was funny, interesting and always entertaining. We've collected together just 18 amazing things we learned - from why Educating Rita made her cry to her crush on Hugh Bonneville to why dancing and Julie do not mix. Read on for all that and much more...
1. She cried when she first saw Educating Rita because she thought she was "terrible".
"I'd done Educating Rita on stage, Willy Russell's play, and then Lewis Gilbert came along and said, 'Do you want to be in a film, darling?'...
We were lucky enough to pop along to a Q&A with Julie last night - launching BAFTA's new live strand A Life in Television - and she was funny, interesting and always entertaining. We've collected together just 18 amazing things we learned - from why Educating Rita made her cry to her crush on Hugh Bonneville to why dancing and Julie do not mix. Read on for all that and much more...
1. She cried when she first saw Educating Rita because she thought she was "terrible".
"I'd done Educating Rita on stage, Willy Russell's play, and then Lewis Gilbert came along and said, 'Do you want to be in a film, darling?'...
- 12/4/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC Television has unveiled new details of its line-up for 2014.
The late Rik Mayall will be remembered in tribute Lord of Misrule, narrated by Simon Callow and featuring contributions from Michael Palin, Simon Pegg and more.
Michael McIntyre will host his Very Christmassy Christmas Show, while John Bishop's Christmas Show will also return for another year.
Festive editions of popular quiz shows Would I Lie To You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Qi, Mock The Week, Pointless Celebrities and Celebrity Mastermind have also been confirmed.
In addition to joining Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond for a two-part Top Gear special, James May will also host a new episode of Toy Stories and Gareth Malone is back with The Choir: New Military Wives.
Miranda, Mrs Brown's Boys: 14 Christmas TV highlights from the BBC
Danny Cohen, Director of Television, said: "This year's Christmas line-up on BBC Television is one of our best ever.
The late Rik Mayall will be remembered in tribute Lord of Misrule, narrated by Simon Callow and featuring contributions from Michael Palin, Simon Pegg and more.
Michael McIntyre will host his Very Christmassy Christmas Show, while John Bishop's Christmas Show will also return for another year.
Festive editions of popular quiz shows Would I Lie To You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Qi, Mock The Week, Pointless Celebrities and Celebrity Mastermind have also been confirmed.
In addition to joining Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond for a two-part Top Gear special, James May will also host a new episode of Toy Stories and Gareth Malone is back with The Choir: New Military Wives.
Miranda, Mrs Brown's Boys: 14 Christmas TV highlights from the BBC
Danny Cohen, Director of Television, said: "This year's Christmas line-up on BBC Television is one of our best ever.
- 11/25/2014
- Digital Spy
Julie Walters, the multi-bafta-winning actress with almost four decades of appearances on U.K. TV and film, will be the star of the first in a new live series from BAFTA entitled 'Life in Television' , to be held in London on Dec. 3. Alongside renowned film roles in titles such as Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia, Calendar Girls and seven of eight Harry Potter titles, Walters is much-loved in the U.K. for her television appearances, in particularly alongside comedy actress, writer and director Victoria Wood in shows including Dinnerladies, Wood and Walters and Patt and Margaret. Read
read more...
read more...
- 11/5/2014
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor Kenny Ireland has died following a battle with cancer.
The 68-year-old performer was perhaps best known for playing swinger Donald Stewart in ITV's Benidorm.
He was also director of Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre from 1992 until 2003.
Ireland's character was written out of Benidorm in June in order for him concentrate on cancer treatment.
A spokesperson for ITV said: "We are terribly saddened to hear that Kenny Ireland has passed away, our thoughts are with his family at this time.
"He was a much loved actor, not only by the cast and crew on Benidorm but by the millions of fans out there.
"He appeared as Donald Stewart in Benidorm from the first episode and helped play a huge part in its success. He will be greatly missed."
Ireland was also known for his appearances in Victoria Wood As Seen On TV, including his role as Derek the handyman in Acorn Antiques.
The 68-year-old performer was perhaps best known for playing swinger Donald Stewart in ITV's Benidorm.
He was also director of Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre from 1992 until 2003.
Ireland's character was written out of Benidorm in June in order for him concentrate on cancer treatment.
A spokesperson for ITV said: "We are terribly saddened to hear that Kenny Ireland has passed away, our thoughts are with his family at this time.
"He was a much loved actor, not only by the cast and crew on Benidorm but by the millions of fans out there.
"He appeared as Donald Stewart in Benidorm from the first episode and helped play a huge part in its success. He will be greatly missed."
Ireland was also known for his appearances in Victoria Wood As Seen On TV, including his role as Derek the handyman in Acorn Antiques.
- 7/31/2014
- Digital Spy
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