No one to see the chequered flag

figures released have shown have shown viewership for the Formula One World Championship has decreased by 8.6 million viewers. Some have blamed this on it being the first year in which all but one race (the British Grand Prix) is shown live on the Sky subscription service. One aspect that kept the fall in viewership being not as steep was the fact that British driver Lewis Hamilton won the title for the third year in a row.

Not his words

Tonight Channel 5 is showing a documentary called Peter Kay in His Own Words. However the comedian has tweeted that he has no part in the programme. Kay in 2018 cancelled an UK tour for personal reason and since then he has kept out of the public eye. The Programme tonight is made up of old interviews.

Christine being grilled

Tonight on BBC 1 sees the start of an drama The Trial of Christine Keeler. It tells the true story of Christine Keeler whose affair with high ranking government minister John Profumo would cause a national crisis. The events had also formed the basis for the 1989 film Scandal starring Joanne Whalley as Keeler, Ian McKellan as Profumo and John Hurt as Keeler's friend Stephen Ward. To promote the film Hurt and Keeler herself went onto the Wogan chat show which as Terry Wogan was away at the time was being presented by Sue Lawley. In a rather combative interview Lawley asks very personal questions of Keeler who seems rather awkward answering them.

You can see the interview on Youtube

No chance of a meow

It has been reported that Universal Pictures will not be mounting an Oscar campaign for Cats. The film version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical has had an rocky with both public and critics. It's fate probably started when the teaser trailer was greeted with horror due to it's use of CGI over practical customers to turn actors in felines. Despite having as it's director Tom Hopper who directed the Oscar winning The King's Speech and a cast that includes Judi Dench, Ian McKellan and Taylor Swift, Cats will go down as one of the most notorious cinematic failures of recent years.

Where is the President?

Canadian broadcaster CBC caused a minor uproar when it showed Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The reason? It cut out a cameo by future US President Donald Trump. CBC deafened the move as was it was done for timing reasons alone.

TV ratings 25-12-2019

The return of Gavin & Stacey was watched by over 11 million viewers. This was by the most watched show of the evening as every other programme could not break 8 million. Weather the show returns will depend on show star and co-scribe James Condron busy schedule.

TV ratings 22-12-2019

The new radical take on A Christmas Carol was watched by 4.7m viewers. This new version has caused a fuss by including swear words. Earlier the final episode of the first series of His Dark Materials was seen by 4.1m. A second series has been commissioned so unlike the attempt to turn Philip Pullman's novels into a blockbuster franchise the TV series has cleared the first hurdle.

Flight of equality part 2

Fallon Sherrock continues her amazing run at the PDC World Darts Championship. She bet the World No 11 Mensur Suljovic 3-1 with Fallon throwing a bull to seal the win. Fallon will next face World No 22 Chris Dobey.

We Xmas No 1 and no one cares

LadBaby are celebrating their second Xmas No 1running with I Love Sausage Rolls but when once this might have generated headlines the public will just shrugged it off. Once the battle to claim the top spot garnered massive public for example for those watching the Top of the Pops repeats from 1988 on BBC 4 Cliff Richard's Mistletoe and Wine beat out Especially For You by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minouge which caused headlines to be written. However nowadays the result of the year's contest will barely warrant a mention. So what happened? There are 2 main reasons for this. The first can be laid at the foot of Simon Cowell and his discoveries from X-Factor. Between 2005-14 7 of the Xmas No 1s were by X-Factor winners thus giving a predictability that drove off any interest. The second reason is the decline of physical methods to listen to music. The past few years have seen the growth of the likes I-Tunes and Spotify at the expense of more physical means like CDs and tapes though vinyl once thought to be dead has enjoyed a minor comeback. The idea of people rushing to shops to buy singles is pretty much gone. Weather interest in the race ever comes back is anyone guess.

DVD commentary to listen to part 4

John Cleese's commentary on the Fawlty episode The Psychiatrist offers us some interesting facts and thoughts. Cleese had his friend Nicky Henson (whose death was announced this week) play the role of a Lothario who Basil id obnoxious to beuse he feared that some who did not know him would take offence. The scene where Sybil lists her mothers large number of phobias was inspired by Cleese's own mother. Cleese expresses his admiration for the actor playing the titular character as due to an injury he had suffered before the episode went into production had to work through great pain. Cleese also admits to taking a fancy to 3 female guest stars. Worth a listen to hear the thoughts of a comic genius.

Am I fired or not?

ITV have moved to deny reports that I has axed Jonathan Ross's Saturday night chat show. Ross moved to ITV he was infamously sacked by the BBC after a  prank phone call he and Russell Brand pulled on Andrew Sachs provoking an outcry with Brand  claiming  to have had sex with Sachs granddaughter. ITV have said the show will return.

Flight of equality

At the PDC World Darts Championship when Fallon Sherock beat Ted Everts in the first round making her first Woman to win a match at the event. 2 places are set aside for Female players at 96 competitor strong field. The other Female player lost her first round match. Many people will be watching if Fallon goes further.

TV ratings 15-12-2019

5m viewers tuned into BBC 1 to see Ben Stokes star player of England's Cricket World winning team take home the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Whereas on ITV 1.7m viewers watched the final of X-Factor: The Bands. This contrasts with 2011 when BBC SPOTY was moved from it's traditional Sunday home in order to avoid a clash with that year's X-Factor Final. .The future of X-Factor has been much debated with it's position of ratings titan very much downgraded.

Best of Minder

George Cole plays wheeler dealer Arthur Daley who is always in getting into some kind of trouble. First is up to boxer turned jailbird Terry McCann as played by Denis Waterman who also famously sang the theme and then Arhur's nephew Ray played by Gary Webster, Here are the ten best episodes.

1. Poetic Justice. Innit?

Arthur finds himself on jury duty much to the dismay of DS (Patrick Malahide) Chislom whose case it is. Playing 2 of Arthur's fellow jury members are Gwynth (Cassandra in Only Fools and Horses) Strong and John (EastEnders) Bardon.

2. Dead Men Do Tell Tales

Arthur and Terry find themselves looking after a dead body of a diamond smuggling mule. Guest starring Suzi Qutro as a singer (obviously) as a singer Terry is dating and Derek (Bernard in Yes Minister) Fowlds as an undertaker

3. The Last Video Show

Ian McShane plays a big time crook who has a comprising video of the policeman (Brian Blessed in a rare clean shave showing) after him. But when the video goes miss Arthur and Terry find themselves in the middle of the search for it.

4. Goodbye Sailor

Arthur ropes in Terry and Ray Winstone's Arnie into his tobacco smuggling scam. However when it means going out to sea, Arthur finds that he is missing his sea legs.

5. Rocky 8 and a half

Terry gets back into the boxing ring to face the fighter he took a dive only to be sent to prison. Arthur of course has his eye on making some money off the fight.

6. From Fulham with Love

Arthur tries to broaden his operations when a Russian cargo ship docks. However is as always the case nothing goes to plan

7. Opportunity Knocks and Bruises

Arthur takes charge of a slot machine only to find it is part of a money laundering. Ray has to deal with the crooks who want their money back.

8. Gunfight at the OK Laundrette

The shows first episode. Terry finds himself in a hostage situation and Arthur of course sees a chance to make some money off it.

9. Bring me the Head of Arthur Daley

An imprisoned crook blames Arthur for his situation and sets into motion a plan to repay the favour. However Arthur and Ray discover the crook's ire misplaced.

10. The Cruel Canal

Believing road transport to have had it's day Arthur decides to use a river. But as is always the case things do no go to plan.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 12-12-2019

On today's The Switch contestants were asked which American singer had  a No 1 single in 1984 with Hello. One buzzed with the answer Elton John who is of course British. The correct answer is Lionel Ritchie.

Where is Boris?

After his non turning up for a grilling by Andrew Neill Prime Minister Boris Johnson has done for 2 more high profile interviews. First he did not do an interview for Jeremy Vine's BBC Radio 2 show. Vine pointed out that he and his predecessor in the slot Jimmy Young had interviewed many of the UK's political leaders down the decades. One exception being Theresa May who Vine says was uncomfortable with doing interviews unlike the man who would take over from as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.. The latest no show came when Johnson was supposed to be interviewed on Good Morning Britain when he was on a tour of a food plant. However the Prime Minister did not turn with the excuse that he was in a fridge! It will be tomorrow when we get the first idea of how the votes are gone.

Scrooge again

Screening on BBC 1 this Xmas is another version of A Christmas Carol.. This version starring Guy Pearce is being played as the darkest take on the Charles Dickens. Oddly this is the first time in 40  (barring Doctor Who and Blackadder specials that have taken the text as pretext for their own purposes) years!

Awful quiz show answer of the day 09-12-2019

On today's edition of The Switch a contestant was asked what was the state capital city of Texas. The contestant's answer was Alabama which is a state in of itself. The correct answer is Austin.

After the contest

In the space of a week the two biggest beauty contests are being held, Miss World and Miss Universe. over the years critics have said such events demean women however an number of contestants have gone on to greater things. Here 3 of them.

Halle Berry

Representing the USA in the 1986 Miss World contest Halle finished 6th. Halle has gone on to an impressive combing box hits like the X-Men series and James Bond film Die Another with an Oscar winning role in Monster's Ball.

Helena Christen

Before becoming one of the 1990s top super models Helena represented her native Denmark in the 1986 Miss Universe beauty contest. However she did not make the final stages of the contest.

Gal Gadot

Gal was rather surprised that she won Miss Israel and going to the 2004 Miss Universe contest. However a relaxed attitude to meant that she did not place. However Gal has had the last laugh with a high profile film including playing Wonder Woman.

Acting politics

Sunday night on BBC 1 sees the screening of an new drama Elizabeth is Missing. It marks the first TV acting role in 27 years for Glenda Jackson. For much of those years Glenda served as a MP. She is not the only actor to make the switch to the corridors of power.

Ronald Reagan

The most famous example is the star of such varied films as Bedtime for Bonzo and The Killers. Reagan first served as Governor of California between 1967-75 before becoming President of the USA in 1980. His tenure saw the end of the Cold War.

Arnold Schwarzenngger

The star of such action blockbusters as Predator, The Running Man and Total Recall would become Governor of California in 2003. Arnie signed into law a cap on greenhouse gas admissions the first in US history.

Clint Eastwood

Forever known for his playing numerous tough guys like Dirty Harry ran for mayor of his home town of Carmel. The reason being the then current mayor giving him hassle over offices he was building on property he owned. Clint won.

Nearing the time for Bond

The countdown for the 25th James Bond film No Time to Die has officially begun with the release of it's tease trailer. Featuring the usual mix of break neck action and pithy one liners it has been over7 million times on YouTube. No Time to Die is out next April.

I don't want to win by myself

Over the years awards in different field have caused fury with their results however this year's Turner Prize for Art proved eye raising for entirely different reason. All 4 of this year's nominees together wrote a letter to the prize judges to jointly award the prize and which they did. Winners of the Turner Prize include Damien Hirst, Grayson Perry and Oscar winning film maker Steve McQueen.

An new studio

Sky have announced plans to build an new studio facility at Elstree. The new studio would not house productions of Sky and it's owner Comcast but those of other companies. Currently Elstree houses both EastEnders and Holby City. Elstree has a long list of famous films made there such as Where Eagles Dare, Star Wars, The Shing and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

TV ratings 1-12-2019

The third and final part off BBC 1 version of War of the Worlds was seen by 3.7 million viewers. Not impressive but when you consider it was up against I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Me Of Here and had got less than stellar reviews it was a good figure.

Marr bites back

If Prime Minister Boris Johnson thought ducking out of an interview  with Andrew Neil would make his campaign any easily he was wrong. Appearing on Andrew Marr's Sunday AM on BBC 1. Obviously stung by the  implicating that he was a softer touch than Neil, Marr went on an aggressive line of questioning even accusing Johnson of chuntering because of his constant talking. Johnson has still yet to confirm if he will be interviewed by Neill.

While the ice melts

Somewhat remarkable scenes happened at a Channel 4 televised leaders debate on the environment last night. Both Prime Minster Boris Johnson and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage did not turn up and their places were taken by melting ice pieces. However off camera Government minister Michael Gove accompanied the Prime Ministers father Stanley tried to take the Conservative place was turned back. This has lead the Conservatives lodging a complaint with broadcasting OFCOM about the matter. Some have expressed concern at the future of Channel 4 as it's broadcasting licence comes up for review in 2024. The Prime Minister has also come in criticism for not being interviewed by Andre Neill who is regarded as the toughest interviewer working today. We shall see if the interview happens.

End of the road for Homer and family?

Is one of TVs currently longest running and successful TV shows coming to an end? Well according to Danny Elfman composer of The Simpsons theme that may be the case. Starting off as a skit on Tracey Ullman's Show the show which detailed the misadventures of Homer, Marge, Bart. Lisa and Maggie became a pop culture sensation even spawning a box office hit movie. However in recent years some would the show has became a pale shadow of what it had been.  more news when it happens.

Clive James (1939-2019)

The death has been announced of Clive James. Moving from his native Australia to the UK in the 1960s Clive first gained notice as a literary and TV. Clive moved onto TV itself presenting such programmes as Saturday Night  Clive and The Clive James Show where he employed his razor sharp wit when introducing clips of over seas TV shows like numerous Japanese dare devil game shows. On print and TV Clive James leaves a great legacy.

Clive James R. I. P.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 22-11-2019

On todays Tipping Point a contestant was asked what was the full title of the programme about astronomy, The Sky At.....? The answer given was war. The correct answer of course is night.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 21-11-2019

On today's edition of The Switch a contestant was asked which novel featured Heathcliff as a main character. The answer given was Pride and Prejudice. The correct answer is of course Wuthering Heights.

2 birds for sale

2 famous puppets have gone up for auction. Emu and Orville the Duck. Emu was an aggressive Ostrich who in partnership with Rod Hull left a mark on those who speared on shows with the pair. One person who escaped unharmed was Billy Connolly who threaten to break Emu's beak should he come close. On the opposite side of the coin from Emu is Orville the Duck who with Keith Harris was a regular fixture on TV in the 1980s. The pair even had a hit single with I Wish I Could Fly. Rod Hull died in 1998 after falling from the roof of his home whilst trying to fix a TV areil. Keith Harris died in 2015 from Cancer.

Return time

Further to the announcement of both Stephen Fry and Lenny Henry as guest stars on the next series of Doctor Who, however this has previous experience on the show. Robert Glenister first appeared on the 1984 story The Caves of Androzani which not only was the last regular appearance for Peter Davisons's 5th Doctor but is also regraded as one of the best in the shows long history. Robert's is now best known for his role in con artist drama Hustle

Who guests

2 of the guest stars for the next series of have been announced, Stephen Fry and Lenny Henry will making appearances on  a show the both some history with. At one point Fry was asked by Rusesell T Davies to write a story but prior commients stooped that. On his 1980s sketch show Henry played The Doctor taking on the Cybermen led by a Cyber version of Margaret Thatcer! The new series is due to air early next year

Fantasy rules

3 fantasy TV series have been recommissioned for second seasons with one still airing it's first. another about to air it's first the final one still yet to omplete production on it's debut season. Sill airing on both  sides of the Atlantic His Dark Materials has been given another season. Soon to make it's debut on Nerflix. Perhaps the most impressive recommission is for the Lord of the Rings on Amazon Prime. Only 2 episodes of the first season have been made but a second season has been ordered. A sign of great confidence in the production.

Awful quiz show answers of the day 19-11-2019

On today's final round of Tenable the team were asked to name the 10 most popular woodwind instruments. Answers given included triangle, double bass and violin. Naturally the team did not win the cash prize.

TV ratings 17-11-2019

This year's IAC launched to a figure of 10 million viewers. Impressive but it's worst launch figure for 4 years. Up against on BBC 1 was the first episode of War of the Worlds was seem by 4.4m viewers while earlier His Dark Materials was seen by a steady 5.7m viewers.

Best of Tales of the Unexpected

The series of twisty tale that in it's early days was introduced by Roald Dahl who wrote some of the stories. Here are the 10 best episodes


1. Royal Jelly

A beekeeper uses the honey from the bees he keeps to help his newborn child's illness despite his wife objection and she is right for reasons of the fantastic. Starring Timothy West and Susan George.

2. The Vorpal Blade

An Ellary man thinks back to the role he played in a fatal duel fought in pre WWII Germany. Episode has a double twist. Starring Peter Cushing

3. Parson's Pleasure

A con man tries to swindle some gullible farmers out of a priceless antique. However his plans go awray. Starring John Gielgud and Bernard Miles

4. The Landlady

A cautionary tale about having you accommodation arranged before you leave.

5. The Sound Machine

An enviromentaist tract in which a botanist invents a machine to listen to plants only to hear their screams. Starring Harry Andrews

6. Lamb to the Slaughter

A woman arrives home to find her police dctive husband. Does she know more than she is letting on. Starring Susan George, Brian Blessed and Micheal Byrne.

7. Dirty Detail

A Vietnam War veteran comes across the Sergeant who brutalised him and so decides to get some pay back. Starring Kevin Dobson and George Peppard

8. Skeleton in the Cupboard

A man becomes troubled when a young woman starts asking questions in the local area, so he decides to take deadly action. With a gut punch of an ending. Starring Charles Dance and Zoe Wannamaker.

9. Death Can Add

A fraudster is being blackmailed about his activities so he decides to kill his blackmailer. Starring Ian Holm and Jan Francis

10. Wink Three Times

A light hearted tale of mishaps and misunstanings at a hotel. Starring Peter Davison and Liza Goddard.

The war is here

The long awaited version of War of the Worlds will start tommorw night on BBC 1. However it faces the first night of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!. Hopefully those not entertained by the barley famous eating animal parts by a pair of baiting presenters will tuned in to BBC 1.

Axel goes streaming

It has been announced that the fourth Beverly Hills Cop film will be produced for streaming giants Netflix. Stat Eddie Murphy is getting rave reviews for another film he has done for Netflix, My Name is Dolemite. So why is the new Beverly Hills Cop going straight to streaming? Some have suggested the poor performances of other follow ups may be the answer. The Shining sequel Dr Sleep and Terminator: Dark Fate have preformed below expectations so say Axel Foley's fourth outing has gone straight to streaming.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 13-11-2019

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked The Police had a hit single in 1979 with Walking on the...? The answer given on the wild side. The Moon is the actual answer.

Non replacement

ITV have announced that both Good Morning Britain and This Morning will be extended by half a hour in order to replace The Jeremy Kyle Show which was axed after the tragic death of a show guest. The news will come as a disappointment to those who wanted the return of game/quiz shows like Cross Wits and Win, Lose or Draw.

TV ratings 10-11-2019

The second episode of His Dark Materials was watched by 5.7 million viewers. A drop of over a million viewers from the first episode. A second series has been commissioned so it won't suffer the same fate as the aborted film series.

Royston's troubled homecoming

Risque comedian Roy Chubby Brown upcoming gig in his home town of Meddlesbourgh has run into a bit of a fuss. The manager of the venue has resigned in protest at Roy's material which has deemed sexist and racist among other things. Roy had been banned from playing his home town among other locations due to complaints. However the mayor of Middlesboourg overturned Roy's ban. Roy's real name Royston Vasey was used as the name of the setting of the League of Gentlemen TV series.

BoJo and Jezza face off

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in 2 1 on 1 debates. This is in complete contrast to the last General Election in which Johnson's predecessor Theresa May refused to take part in any debates and some would say this damaged her. Johnson and Corbyn will also take part in a debate with Lib Dem. SNP. Greens, Brexit and Plaid Crymu leaders.

Joining forces

Today saw the launch Britbox an new streaming service that sees the UK major broadcasting outfits join together to provide viewers a vast choice of viewing from their libraries. BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Jannel 5 have after years of planning have launched a service to rival the likes of Netflix. On offer will be likes Prime Suspect, Extras and Classic Doctor Who. Many people will be seeing how Britbox gets on.

Why should I watch this?

There are a couple of promos for 2 of I UK TVs most watched programmes that I myself find not worth watching. The first is for the next seres of I,m a Celebrity Get Me of Here! in which presenters Ant & Dec are lost trying to find their destination with Ant doing some very unfunny antics. The other is for Micael McIntyre's Big Show with Michael talking photos of dog droppings and petting them on social media. I for one will not be watching.

Getting on late with Gay

The death of Irish broadcasting legend Gay Bryne shows how revolutionary he was in the Republic of Ireland. His chat show The Late, Late Show was not afraid to tackle subjects that the very consertioove country. This included a debate about the sex lives of married couples and an interview with the woman who had a child with the then Bishop of Galway. More conventional guests included Piecre Brosnan, John Clesse, George Best U2. Gay left a mark on the Irish psyche.

Gay Bryne R I P

TV ratings 03-07-2019

The much hyped adaption of His Dark Materials launched to 7.3 million viewer on BBC 1. One person who will not be happy with this will be conservative writer Peter Hitchens who attacked the source novel for it's anti religion stance. Mr Hitchenss will be hoping ratings take a dip.

Sore losers

South Africa won this year's Rugby Union World Cup beating England in the final 32-12. However the English players did not react well to the defeat and refused to pick up their runners up medals. Even element of the British took against this display. The sense of sportsmanship is alive and well in some quarters.

2019 Rugby Union World Cup final - possible press reactons

England win

Calls for a victory parade through London

Demands for awards for everyone connected


England lose

Brave losers no matter the losing margin

Outrage over a countervail decision

Awful quiz show answer of the day 31-10=2019

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was which nationality was fashion designer Coco Chanel. The answer they gave was Italian. Coco was famously French.

Half a return to Westeros

HBO have announced the first Game of Thrones prequel to gain a full series order. House of Dragons will focus on the rise of the Targeyen family to power. Based on the George R R Martin book Fire and Blood the series did not have to go through the pilot stage. However the other which was having a pilot made has been cancelled despite having a starry cast including Naomi Watts and Miranda Richardson. House of Dragons should be seen in the next couple of years.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 29-10-2019

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked which fictional Bear had a friend called Piglet. The contestant answered Donkey. The answer is of course Winnie the Pooah.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 28-10-2019

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked which Shakespeare play set on an island featured the character of Pospero. The contestant answered Treasure Island.  The correct answer is The Tempest. Treasure Island is an novel by Robert Louis Stevenson.

You don't decide

Th

Awful quiz show answer of the day 10-09-2019

On today's Tipping Point contestants were asked in which decade of the 20th century did the Channel Tunnel open. One contestant buzzed in with the answer the 1930s. The actual answer was the 1990

Missing clues?

The non appearance of a couple of notable Star Wars actors has lead to speculation about the latest film in the saga. Hayden Christsen and Ian McDermid were due to appear at an event in Salt Lake City in the USA. Earlier in the day the pair visited the patients at a children's hospital however they did not turn up for the event. Some believe the pair were kept secerts about the new film. McDermid reprising his role of Emperor Palpatine has been known since the first trailer released. However weather Hayden be reprising the role of Anakin Skywalker aka Darth Vader. We shall now know in a couple of months of time.

Scaring up the cash

It:Chapter 2 posted an opening weekend of $92 million, an impressive amount but disappointing when it was projected open above $100 million. The film and it's predecessor have helped to rekindle cinematic interest in the work of Stephen King. Coming out soon is Doctor Sleep the sequel to The Shining starring Ewan McGregor as the grown up Danny Torrance. Director Mike Flanagan says that the film will reconcile the differences between the original The Shining novel by King and the famed film version by Stanley Kubrick which King is known to hate.

Joker with the prize

The upcoming Joker film has won the prestigious Golden Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival. The triumph will put the film in the frame for Oscar contention next year. Starring Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character the film is in the mode of such films as Taxi Driver and King of Comedy with such comparsions being compounded by the star of those 2 films Robert de Niro having a role in Joker. The public can make their minds on Joker when it is later this year.

Web crawler divorce

The Motion Picture division of Sony has confirmed that Marvel studios will not have any involvement in any future films. This comes despite the latest film Spider-Man: Far From Home making $1 billion at the worldwide box office. One result is that characters like Nick Fury will not appear in future Spider-Man films. Sony for their part are setting their own cinematic universe after the surprise box office smash Venom which has a sequel set to go into production.

An early surprise

Amazon customers who preodered the new Margaret Atwood novel got a very (for them) surprise. They received copies of Testament the sequel to Atwood's most famous book The Handmaid's Tale. The dystopian tale has been made into both a film (which Atwood is known to dislike) and an award winning TV programme still currently airing.    Weather Atwood is pleased at this happening no knows for sure.

Terrance Dicks (1935 - 2019)

Doctor Who fandom has be saddened by the news of the death of Terrance Dicks. With Barry Letts as producer Terrance in his role as script editor ushered DW into the colour via the adventures of the Third Doctor. This include the introduction of such characters as The Master. Even after leaving the post Terrance kept a working relationship with the show writing various stories including the Fourth Doctor debut Robot. Non DW included Crossroads, The Avengers ans various Sunday early evening drama serials.

Terrance Dicks

TV ratings 01-09-2019

2 hugely hyped costume dramas continue to disappoint. BBC1's Peaky Blinders continues to post numbers hardly any better than what it was getting on BBC2 with 3.6 million viewers. ITV's Sanditon based on an incomplete Jane Austen only go 3 million viewers. Coming off the infamous failure of Vanity Fair will ITV ease back on period dramas?

Do you remember the last time?

On last night's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? the question in what year did the last fight of Concorde took place? The contestant did not know the answer and was forced to use one of their lifelines. In this case Ask the Host and it turned out that Jeremy Clarkson was on that flight. But all he could remember was Piers Morgan with who he has mutual hateard was also on the flight. The contestant had to use another lifeline this time 50/50 which helped get to the correct answer which was 2003. Though to fair to Jeremy he did get the next Ask the Host question right.

Is the binge dead?

One of the most interesting announcements about the Disney+ streaming service is that it will be releasing episodes of it's shows on a weekly basis. This is unusual for a streaming service, the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime made great play of the fact that their viewers could watch whole seasons of their show (House of Cards, Stranger Things and The Man In the High Castle to name 3) in the one go. The idea even crossed the Atlantic with both the BBC and ITV putting out whole series in the one go. However with the recent news from Disney is the idea of the binge watch coming to a close.

No, not the thermal bottle

At the Star Wars: Galaxy Edge attraction at Disneyland visitors can buy Coke-Cola bottles in the shape of thermal detonators. As Star Wars fans know thermal detonators are the saga's equivalent of hand grenades. However the US 's Department of Homeland has found reamalbance between the 2 far too alike for comfort. They have banned the bottles being brought on bard air planes in order to ease security fears. Those who have brought the bottles and want to bring them home have to think another way or face a very long wait.

Stop moving Jeremy

On Saturday Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? will going on at 10PM on ITV. The next day it will be going out at 8PM. Is this sign of disrespect for loyal viewers?

Making other people's mind up

The Eurovison Song Contest was set up with the idea of bringing nations together. However an one time winner has been announced as a candidate for a political party whose aim is the exact opposite. Jay Aston who with the group Bucks Fizz won the contest in 1981 with the song Making Your Mind Up will be standing as a candidate for the Brexit Party at the next UK General Election. Bot of a change eh Jay?

TV ratings 25-08-2019

The much hyped move of crime drama Peaky Blinders from BBC2 to BBC1 had a very disappointing launch. It got only 3.7 million viewers. Some consolation was that it just beat ITV's adaptation of unfinished Jane Austen novel Sanditon which got 3.3 million viewers. ITV will be concerned that their track record with costume dramas with the failure of the likes of Vanity Fair, Beecham House and now Sanditon.

The return of Ewan and more

At the D23 convention Disney revealed some of the forthcoming productions from their various outlets. First of all there was official confirmation that Ewan Mcgregor will be returning to the role of Obi Wan Kenobi in a series for the  Disney+ streaming service. Another Star Wars related production the service is bringing to the screen is The Mandorlion for which a trailer was shown featuring the likes of Carl (Apollo Creed in the Rockey films) Weathers, Gina Carno and in an acting role eccentric film director Werner Herzog. Marvel Studios announced that Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington will be joining the cast (including his GoT brother/cousin Richard Madden) of The Eternals as The Black Knight. And Black Panther 2 will be released in 2022.

Clive back to gambling

In 1998 Clive Owen made the film Croupier, the tale of double dealing received rave reviews. It set Clive off on a film career that included The Bourne Identity, King Arthur and Closer for which Clive received an Oscar nomination. At one point Clive was even considered for the role of James Bond but he lost out to Daniel Craig. But in recent years Clive's film career has somewhat ground to a halt and now he finds himself in a TV advert that plays on his Croupier role.

Hugh is roadkill

BBC1 have announced that Hugh Laurie is to star in an new political thriller from acclaimed playwright David Hare. Roadkill will star Laurie as a poltcilan under attack as he plots his way to power. Roadkill should be seen next year.

No more wall crawling?

Spider-Man: Far From Home may be the latest film to have made a billion dollars but a follow up may not be made. Sony and Disney are at loggerheads over profits. Sony through Columbia Pictures has been making Spider-Man films since 2002 but since 2016 brought on Marvel owners Disney to bring the web slinger into the same cinematic universe as his regular comic co-stars and to much success. Tom Holland's appeared in the biggest film of all time Avengers: Endgame before appearing in his most recent solo film. The news of the breakdown in the working relationship has provoked much fan fury. There will be many who hope the situation changes.

No time for Bond

After months of being known simply as Bond 25 the next James Bond film has had it's title revealed. No Time To Die will see Daniel Craig play Bond for the Fifth and possibly last time. The official synopsis has Bond coming back from retirement to go on an rescue mission which turns into a battle against another well equipped bad guy. Rumours about the film include the return of Christoph Waltz's Blofled and the mantle of 007 being taken by a female agent. No Time To Die is released in cinemas April 2020.

When are we on?

For the past 6 weeks the final series of Poldark has gone on at 9PM Sunday BBC1 However the final 2 episodes have seen a schedule sift The second last episode will go out 8PM on Sunday while the final one will go out the next day 8:30PM. Why the change? Some think that crime saga Peaky Blinders which has made from BBC2 has been given priority. We just have to see what the effects the changes have on Poldarl.

Jimmy conquers the Crucible at last

Jimmy White has won the World Seniors Snooker Champion and in doing so he did at the home of the main championship The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Jimmy never won the main title. He was runner up 6 times and had to suffer 5 of those defeats on the trot and 4 of those to the same player Stephen Hendry. Jimmy beat in the final Darren Morgan who had beat Stephen in the quarter finals.

A return from exile

After 6 years of being shown on the digital CBBC channel Blue Peter is making a return to broadcast TV. The show will be on BBC2's Saturday Morning Kids strand. weather this paves the way for a long term return remains to be seen.

Infamy in cheating

Cheat an new forthcoming ITV drama tells the story of the infamous 2001 Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? cheating scandal. Matthew MacFadyen plays Charles Ingram an Army Major who with his wife and an accomplice used dubious methods to win the million pound prize. However the ruse was discovered and 3 served jail sentences and Ingram was drummed out of the Army. Playing Chris Tarrent the host of WWTBAM? is Michael Sheen adding to the roll call of famous real life figures he has played. Cheat should be seen later this year.

Return of the Ewan

News has come out that Ewan McGregor is in talks to reprise the role of Obi Wan Kenobi for an new series for the Disney+ streaming service. There had been talk of Ewan returning to the role in theatrical film however the disappointing (for Star Wars) box office of Solo: A Star Wars Story has seen production on any more Star Wars films reduced. Fans will be in a state of epectictation.

Do not go hand in hand

At an qualification event for the Triathlon at next year's Olympics there was contervisal scenes. In the Women's event British competitors Jess Learmonth and Georgina Taylor-Brown crossed the line together in first and second place with them holding hands. This lead to them being disqualified as it was deemed that they had helped each other. Some have pointed out to an occasion when in a race in Mexico 2 time Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee pushed his brother Jonathan to the finish line. However the rules were changed after this hence recent events.

You know you are watching an Anna Friel drama when...

Tonight on ITV sees the start of the new drama Dark Water. Telling the emotion struggles of 3 women in the Lake District. The starring role goes to Anna Friel who since her early days in Brookside has made her in grim and gritty dramas. There are some running motifs in them.

Anna wears the same pained expression

Anna will often shout

Anna's screen family will have a dark secert

Brining out the genie for more cash

Disney is looking to make a sequel to the live action version of Aladdin starring Will Smith which made a billion dollars worldwide. Some may say this smells of creative bankrupt and they are probably right.

Not enough class for Jaime

In May of this year celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's restaurant chain Jamie's Italia closed for the loss of a thousand jobs. In an new interview Oliver blames the failure on the restaurants not being posh enough. This has led to a bit of a backlash from fans. One has to remember that in recent years Oliver has been known for his healthy eating campaigns. The comments are bit of an embarrassment given the campaigning for the nation to change it's eating habits.

The Hunt is off

After the 2 gun massacres in the USA the release of the film The Hunt has been postponed. Starring 2 time Oscar winner Hilary Swank The Hunt tells the story of a group of individuals being being hunted by rich hunters. Universal Picture have now delayed release due the film's scenes of gun violence. We will just have to when the film is finally released.

I didn't know he was there

Gywneth Paltrow has made the astounding claim that she did know that Samuel L Jackson played the role of Nick Fury this despite appearing with him in an number of films over a 11 year period. Granted Jackson played the role of the hard bitten S. H. I. E. D chief in post end credits but in least 2 has a pivotal role.

When is the war?

The BBC's upcoming (and first to be set in the period it was written) version of War of the Worlds has been given a certificate for home release but there is still no sign of when it will reach our screens. The production has been part of 2 BBC Drama promo of up coming show, also included was the first 2 seasons of award winning black comic thriller Killing Eve which have already been shown. And to add to the problem another modern day version of the H G Wells (starring Gabriel Bryne and Elizabeth McGovern) novel has been made. The wait goes on.

Taking the game elsewhere

David Benioff and D B Weiss the men who turned George R R Martin's Song of Fire and Ice into Game of Thrones the defining TV show of the 2010s have signed a production deal with Netlix. The deal will see the pair work on new shows and movies for the streaming giant. A prequel to Game of Thrones is still coming and the pair are working on an new Star Wars series of films.

Not known on Wikipeadia

in the late 1980s Capital Radio DJs Pat Sharp and Mick Brown released an number of charity singles under the name of Pat & Mick. While Sharp has his own Wikiepadia page Brown has to make do with the one on Pat & Mick. At least Mick has one that is partly about him, one time Radio 1 Paul Jordan has nothing.

The Rock and The Stah slay The King

Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham took top honours at the worldwide box office. In the US alone it took$60 million and in the process knocking The Lion King remake off the top spot. Expect more the pair to bring more mayhem to the screen based on these numbers.

Not good TV shows that are always repeated

Here are 3 TV shows that are often repeated. Though they may be repeated they are not very good.

Mrs Brown's Boys

No denying it is the most successful British Sit Com of the 2010s. But for every fan you can find at least 3 haters.

Vera

Brenda Bleythen plays the titular Police Detective, 2 problems the character has the most awful voice possible and Brenda is now in her 70s and too old to serve in the Police in real life.

A Touch of Frost

The show that was the template for Vera. David Jason is dogged Policeman Jack Frost. However the characters joking just makes you think of Del Boy.

The man who put Morse in to Morse

The composer Barrington Pheloung has died. Best known for his Film and TV work with the most famous being Inspector Morse. On some episodes of the Barrington would write in the score Morse giving hints to the episode's killer. Other work included Bonn starring Michael Elphick and the film Truely, Madly, Deeply.

Barrington Phelung R. I. P.

Another feather in the cap for Mike

The latest contestant for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing has been announced. It is BBC News Sports correspondent Mike Bushell. Mike is known for his reports which he tries out different sport such as Cheerleading, Water Polo and the only team sport where Men and Women play together Korfball. It was in the last of these Mike was sent off for marking a girl! Hopefully Mike will have better luck with Ballroom Dancing.

Battle of the airwaves

Scala Radio the new Classical music radio station has launched to 250,00 million listners though it's main rival Classic FM has seen an increased in listenership. Ken Bruce has overtake Zoe Ball as the most listened to DJ on BBC Radio 2. Ball who took over the Breakfast Show after Chris Evans left Virgin Radio though hers is still the most popular for the slot.

Robert, Al and Joe are coming

The trailer has been released for The Irishman the new film from esteemed director Martin Scorsese. It tells the true story of Mob hit man Frank Sheeran played by Robert de Niro and his life of crime. This includes his role in the murder of infamous union boss Jimmy Hoffa as played in the film by Al Pacino. Hoffa'a body to date has never been found. Joe Pesci who worked with de Niro and Scorsese on other true life crime flicks Goodfellas and Casino plays Mob boss Russell Bufalino. As with other films produced by Netlix it will have a limited cinematic before going to the streaming service.

Come back Count Arthur

In the new Radio Times readers have made known which TV show they would like to come and it has thrown up one surprise. Coming in Fourth behind Foyle's War, The Bill and Spooks (known as MI-5 in the US) is the sit com Count Arthur Strong .Running for 3 series between 2013-17 and based on a BBC Radio 4 show about an eccentric Variety performer (played by series creator Steve Delaney) and his bizarre attempts to get back into the lime light. Despite crictal praise the show was hampered haphazard scheduling and therefore did not get the viewer for a long term future. Another point to consider in placing in Fourth place Count Arthur Strong beat higher shows like Downton Abbey and Life on Mars.

Shouldn't you be retired?

Ever since Casualty started 31 years ago Derek Thompson has played the role of staff nurse Charlie Fairhead from the start. However when Derek's real life age is 70 which in real life would see Charlie retired by now. Though this not the worst offender as Brenda Bleythan in the role of Police Dectivie Vera Stanhope 73 while most Police officers are retired in their 50s!

I call that a victory

At the World Aquatics Championships the men's team won the 4x100m medley relay. They were last after the first backstroke but having Adam Peaty doing the next Breaststroke leg more than helped as he gave Team GB the lead. The Americans took the lead in the Butterfly leg but in the final freestyle leg Duncan Scott came storming back to give Britain the gold.

Savaging the King

While the new version of The Lion King has been breaking box office records the crictiacal reaction has been decidedly mixed with some calling visually impressive but soulless. But for one of the more hostile reviews comes from Youtube channel Council of Geeks. The reviewer states he only went to see it because his Daughter was excited to see it despite his own misgivings. He goes on to give his honest opinon. The remake does not have the economy of story telling that the original had. A refreshing point of view given some elements seem to fall over themselves for every thing Disney does.

After the kids

Below is a list of 3 one time Kids TV presenters who gone to have differing careers

Andrea Arnold

Between 1982-1988 Arnold was a presenter of ITV Kids show No 73.  In 2006 she the Oscar tor Best Short Film with Wasp. Arnold gone on to a much acclaimed film career but her work on the second season of US TV Drama was plagued by many behind the scenes trouble including a spat with star Meryl Streep.

John Craveb

From the mid 1970s to the late 1980s John was a regular on such Kids TV shows like Nesround, Multi Coloured Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore. John moved form Kids TV to presenting Countryfile which from lunch time show to prime time ratings winner.

Philip Schofield

First presenting the Children's BBC weekday slot Philip would go on to present Saturday Morning show Going Live from 1987 to 1993. He then moved in prime time presenting such shows as Talking Telephone Numbers and The Cube though he best known now for presenting daytime show This Morning.

Adam does it again

At the World Aquatics Championships Adam Peaty won the 50m Breaststroke. This is the third time he has won the event. This is the third time Adam the double of 50/100 Breaststroke titles However the bad news for Adam is that the 50m Breaststroke is not an event at next year's Olympics in Tokyo.

The sun does not shine

Angry scenes at the World Aquatics Championships after a disqualification saw China's Sun Yang pick up his second gold of the meet in the Men's 200m Freestyle. British Swunner Duncan Scott did not join the podium in protest at Yang still being allowed to compete despite waiting to hear about an appeal against a drugs ban. This a smaller protest by Australia's Mack Horton after the 400m Freestyle. The appeals findings are in the next couple of months.

Adam Peaty, the ignored sporting great

Today Adam Peaty won his third World Championship Gold Medal in the Men's 100m Breaststroke. This added to the Olympic Gold he won at the 2016 Games makes him one of the most competitors any sport. Added to which they are his record breaking feats including being the first swimmer to break 57 seconds for the event. However Peaty's heroics have been ignored in the mainstream media more concerned with pre-season Football. Is Peaty just too good for anyone to notice? One as to wonder.

What Marvels to come

At San Diego Comic-Con Marvel Studios unveiled Phase 4 of upcoming projects. The first one we will see is the already in production. Next up is Eternals starring Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden and Salma Hayek in a tale of warring aliens. Then comes Kung Fu flavoured Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Bendict Cumberatch is back in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness with Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch. Then comes the fourth Thor film, subtitled Love and Thunder it will the unexpected return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster after she sat out the third film over unhappiness over the direction of the second. Also announced was an new Blade film with 2 time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali as the vampire hunter who is half vampire him self. There will be another films to be announced.

What's wrong with these cats

While the new version of The Lion King has greeted with barbs of creative bankruptcy it has been praised for it's photo realistic visual effects. This is far from the reaction to the trailer of the film version of the musical Cats. Opting to not follow the stage method of using make up and customes to make the actors look like the titular animals computer generated effects has been used. There has been derision over the final result as the likes of Taylor Swift, James Condron and Rebel Wilson have been turned in felines. The film is due later this year so they may be time to refine the effects.

The forgotten rivals of Bros

Tonight on BBC4 sees a special selection of programmes by brothers Matt and Luke Goss who first shot to fame with Craig Logan as the pop group Bros in the late 1980s. However fame was fleeting until the documentary After the Screaming Stops brought the brothers back into the spotlight. The brothers can count themselves to have a second lease of fame compared to their contempies shows.

Brother Beyond

Despite the name there was no brothers in this band. One of the many acts to benefit from the production line of hits by producers Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman they had a No 2 hit with The Harder I Try but the hits dried up shortly afterwards.

Clime Fisher

The duo of Simon Clime and Rob Fisher had an No 2 hit with Love Changes Everything. Fisher sadly died in 1999 from bowel cancer. Clime had already written the hit George Micheal/ Arthea Franklin I Knew You Were Waiting and won a Grammy working with Eric Clapton.

Johnny Hates Jazz

The band enjoyed a run of hits including an US No 2 hit with Shattered Dreams which a video made for the US market by future acclaimed film director David Fincher. Lead singer Clark Datchler left the band and they split soon afterwards though Clark makes appearances on the 1980s nostalgia circuit.

Netflix, has the bubble burst?

Shares in Netflix have fallen 10% after the streaming giant failed new subscriber targets for the second quarter of the year. This will concerning for the streaming giant in a couple of ways, first there is the debt the company has accrued in it's attempt to provide new content and the increased completion from 3 media giants. Disney, NBCUuniversal and Warner Media all have streaming service planned to lauch and all can count on vast film and TV libraes for content.

2019 Emmy nominations

The final season of Game of Thrones has picked up a record breaking 32 nominations. This despite the shows proving to be the subject of much debate among fans not happy with the outcome and fates of various characters. Yesterday I wrote about the constant snubbing of Jodie Cormer for her performance in Killing Eve, at last the Emmys have rectified this and have nominated Jodie and her co-star Sandra Oh for Best Leading Actress in a Series.

Jodie still missing

Again another US awards has ignored Jodie Cormer's brilliant performance as the some what unhinged assassin Villinelle in dark comic thriller Killing Eve. The genre based Saturn awards nominated Jodie's co-star Sandra Oh but not Jodie. But that won't matter to Jodie given her BAFTA win this year.

TV ratings 14-07-2019

Despite the mass advance publicity Channel 4's coverage of the Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand was only watched by half of the 8 million watching the epic Wimbledon Men's Singles final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Feder. Elsewhere ITV's Beecham House recorded another low figure of above 1 million viewers against the 4 million watching Poldark on BBC1 at the same times.

You are no King

The reviews have come in for the remake of The Lion King and they are very lukewarm. Called by some as live action because of the use of photo realistic digital effects the new film has been blasted as having to add to the original. The new The Lion King is still expected to be a box office hit as Disney rework their classics with the only misstep being Tim Burton's take on Dumbo. There is no stopping Disney with new versions of Mulan and The Little Mermaid on the way.

Awkward clash

Sky have allowed a Free to Air broadcaster to share their coverage of the Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand. However the choice of broadcaster has left many unhappy. Channel 4 are the ones sharing however (and the reason for the unhappiness) the cricket will be moved from the main channel to the digital E4 channel in order that the Formula 1 British Grand Prix can be covered. It will be a busy afternoon for sports fans as the Wimbledon Men's Singles Final will be on at the same time

What is next for flag waving?

England have beaten Australia in the semi finals of the Cricket World Cup. They will face New Zealand in Sunday's final. This will of course be the spark to all out fevered anticipation. of Sporing glory. One person not happy with this is Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton who will competing in the British Grand Prix at the same time.

John is back

John Consatine the supernatural mage from Liverpool is returning to comic books in the current Sandman universe. For the last few years the character has been in the main stream DC Comics universe which saw him interacting with the likes of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. This should be a return to the horror more tinged roots of the character as the title of the comic he will is Hellblazer as in the one John appeared in between 1988-2013. There will be an one off followed by the series later in the year.

Off the menu

A restaurant in Leicester called The Fish and The Chip.has closed. The reason given is that the owners became concerned with the impact on the environment the was having after a field trip. The owners are looking into other fields.

Comics review - Lois Lane #1

Written by Greg Rucka. Art by Mike Perkins

Greg Rucka is a writer who is comfortable with writing what many would consider standard Superhero material such as a run on the now defunct Adventures of Superman in the mid 2000s to more down to earth material such as Stumptown which is soon to be a TV series. Another feature of Rucka's is his strong female characters in such titles as Wonder Woman, Elektra and (again) Stumptown. And now Rucka starts an new series starring Superman's other half. There many plot threads in this debut issue, Lois probes a Russian journalist death, Lois asking probing questions at a White House press briefing and her home life with Clark Kent. It is to Rucka's credit that he keeps these story lines clean and simple for the reader. And a shout out for artist Mike Perkins for his art work in particular an atmospheric sequence where Lois recruits the vigilante The Question in her Russia investigation. All in all an unique spin on a familiar character.

Book review - Joe Country by Mick Herron

What is advertised as a standard spy thriller is a sly satire on Brexit Britain. The latest novel to focus on a group of disgraced British spies called the Slow Horses who work under the command of Jackson Lamb a man who is not afraid to admit to having a flatulence problem. The thriller plot comes when a renegade agent who just so happens to the father of one of the Slow Horses. However this plays second fiddle to the power games played between the highest elements of British Intelligence. The scenes where Lamb has to deal with his much hated superior 'Lady Di' bristles with the characters mutual loathing. It is only towards the end that novel goes in full thriller mode however Herron does not do the obvious. We only get the aftermath of a deadly fight involving one of the slow horses. For those who want the usual thriller will be disappointed but those who want more will get an novel of razor sharp wit.

John McRirick (1940 - 2019)

The death has been announced of  John McRirick without doubt the most colourful  in UK TV sports broadcasting. Having failed to get into the Diplomatic Service McRirick started working as a bookmaker. It was through this he got a job as a reporter on The Sporting Life. McRicik got on the BBC's Grandstand programme before moving to ITV's sports department. In 1985 he got his big break when Channel 4 a high profile role on their Horse Racing coverage. With his unique appearance McRirik  became a sensation. He held the post until Channel 4 dropped him from their team in 2013 but he took them an employment tribunal claiming age discrimination but he lost. Outside of Horse Racing John appeared on many shows including Celebrity Big Brother.


John McRirick R.I.P

The walking is over

Comic book series The Walking Dead has seen it's last ever issue published. The series that told the story of a zombie ridden future that saw a group of survivors having to contend with not only zombies but other survivors with a less than humane view on life than them. The comic would win an number of industry awards. The biggest impact it had on the public mind set was the TV show which had a viewership of at one point of 17 million viewers. The producers of the show say the fact that the comic has now ended will not affect production.

TV ratings 02-07-2019

BBC1's coverage of the Women's World Cup semi final between England and USA made history as the most watched Ladies Football match in UK TV history with an average of 8 million viewers. At it's peak that figure was near 11 million. However the final will not see anything like that figure as the USA won 2-1.

Spider-Who?

Since taking on the role of Spider-Man actor Tom Holland has starred in 3 very successful movies with a fourth just about to be released and the subject of many magazine articles. However his fame has not caught with some people. In a recent edition of US game show Jeopardy! contestants were asked to identify super hero actors out of costume. None of them could identify Holland with a couple going for his predecessors in the role Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield. The price of fame Tom?

Big match preparation

Tonight sees the Women's World Cup semi final between England and USA. It will be the most watched ladies Football match. If England win expect the press to declare them the winners of the tournament, if they lose narrowly they will called gutsiy losers and if they lose heavily they will be called an national disgrace.

TV ratings 30-06-2019

The good weather had an effect on TV viewing figures. BBC1's Gentleman Jack was watched just under 4 million viewers while ITV's Beecham House was watched just under 2 million viewers. This will be concerning for ITV as Beecham House will soon be facing BBC1's ever popular Poldark.

Broght back but was it worth it?

With the news of the revival of All Creatures Great and Small being brought to TV screens here are 3 shows that were revied to mixed results

Doctor Who

After 16 (barring a couple of charity specials and an American TV Movie) Doctor Who made a triumpmahnt return. Still making news with it's cast of it's first female lead.

Polsark

Winston Graham Cronwell set novels inspired a TV in the early 1970s. 40 years later the BBC brought back the character for an new production which proved to be a hit.

Upstairs Downstairs

In the early 1970s Upstairs Downstairs the series about astriocrats and their servants was a translatanic hit. An early 2010s version could not repeat the success.

The return of Mr Herriot

Channel 5 have announced that they are making an new version of All Creatures Great and Small. The series that recounting the life of vet James Alf Wight aka James Herriot. The BBC series ran on and off between 1978 and 1990. No news of casting as yet.  Channel 5 do not have a good record of remaking drama hits of yesteryear, their take on Minder lasted only 1 series and their version of Science Fiction classic Doomwatch did not go beyond a pilot.

Angels coming again

The trailer has been unveiled of the latest version of Charlie's Angels. Hitting cinema screen in November the film will see Kristen Stewart as 1 member of the titular crime fighting group. This will be the third revival of the title. In the early 2000 there a couple of spoof films starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu while in 2011 there was a failed TV revival.

Tales from the Cup

A couple of interesting stories from the Women's World Cup. England player Georgia Stanwy asking organisers of the Glastonbury music festival if they could show the England versus Norway on Thursday because her brother is attending the event. The organisers have obliged her. The other revoles round an extraordinary feud between US President Donald Trump and US co-captain Christin Rapinoe. The dispute follow an interview in which Rapinoe states she would not visit the White House in the event of an American triumph. Things then took a bizarre turn with the president taking to twitter to personally the player but instead got a different person with the same surname!

Tests and grillings

A group of ITV executives faced questioning by a  parliamentary committee over the use of lie detector tests on the now axed The Jeremy Kyle Show.. The chair of the committee Damien Collins found it astoxhing the producers lack of knowledge about the tests. Anther member of the committee Paul Farrelly called the programme trash TV. However ITV executives defending themselves by saying guests were told in advance what was happening. The committee will also hear about how the welfare of those who take part in other shows like Love Island is taken care of.

TV ratings 24-06-2019

Beecham House which in prior publicity was hailed as ITV's new Downton Abbey launched to to 2.6 million viewers. It's BBC1 rival Gentleman Jack in contrast was seen by 4.2 million viewers. It was good night overall for BBC1 as the Women's World Cup match which saw England beat Cameroon in contersvial circumstances was at one point by 6 million viewers. Both Coutryfile and Antiques Roadshow were both seen just under 6 million viewers. The second episode of Beecham House is shown tonight but with it receiving reviews it may be fighting a losing battle.

They went away Martin

The actor Martin Clunes has criticised the BBC for axing his recent sit com Warren. Clunes accused the BBC of being biased against elderly and working class viewers. The show starred Clunes in the title role, a grumpy diving instructor. However when you take a look at the shows ratings you will find Clunes is clutching at straws somewhat. The first episode was watched by just under 6 million viewers however by the sixth and final episode was watched by just under 2 million viewers so hence the axe. The out burst by Clunes could considered to be one from someone unwilling to accept that they had a dud on their hands.

Getting it wrong big time

A Christian organisation sent a petition to Netflix asking them to stop showing Good Omens, the adaptation of the Neil Gaiman/ Terry Pratchett novel. The organisation complaints included the decipation of God as a Woman and the Anti Christ as an normal teenage boy. The organisers of the petition soon ran into a major problem, Netflix does not show Good Omens but their main streaming rivals Amazon Prime. Gaiman wrote a joking tweet about the mistake but it must be disconcerting for Amazon Prime for people not to know what service one of they most highly promoted shows goes out on.

They are going to the Con

After the news that an extended version of Avengers Endgame will be released Marvel studios have announced that they will be attending this year's San Diego Comic Con. This could seen as both a response to the news that arch rivals Warner Brothers are not attending this year and a victory lap for the stellar box office of Avengers Endgame. No word as yet what will be at this years presentation though some footage from the upcoming solo Black Widow may be shown.

We want that record

Disney have announced that an extended cut of Avengers Endgame will be released in cinemas. The studio has admitted that it is a ploy for the film to take the place of Avatar as highest grossing film of all time., There is currently $44 million currently separating. We just have to see if the ploy works.

No show for Jeremy

Jeremy Kyle has refused to testify before a parliamentary committee on reality television. Kyle's programme was axed when a guest. An number executives involved with the programme will give evidence about the after show care provided to those who appear on such shows. Another show which will be scrutinised will be Love Island which has seen 2 former contestants commit suicide.

Where is Boris?

Last night saw a live debate between 5 of the candidates for the Conservative Party Leader and Prime Minister of Great Britain.The one missing candidate was runaway favourite Boris Johnson with an empty lectern taking his place. Johnson's excuse was that he was busy preparing for another debate on Tuesday. Despite his non showing Johnson is still over whelming favourite.

Bruce and Franco

The death of Italian film maker Franco Zeffielli herald many tributes to him but there are those who think less of him. At a screening of his cult film Whitnall and I writer-director Bruce Robinson related how an incident involving Zeffielli inspired one of the most famous scene in the 1987 film about 2 out of work actors. In his days as an actor Robinson was cast in the famed 1968 film version of Romeo and Juliet directed by Zeffrielli. At their first meeting during filming Robinson found the director in a room surrounded by other and was told by him to take a shower. After taking the shower Robinson found it was just him and Zeffrielli. Bruce used this experience for the where Paul McGann's I is sexually propositioned by the character of Uncle Monty played by Richard Griffiths.

You can see Bruce Robinson talking about this on Youtube.

The Raptors do it

Toronto Raptors have become the first non US team to win the NBA championship after beating Golden State 4-2 in the final series. However the finals have earned the unenviable record of being the least watched in terms of TV ratings for the last 3 years. Some have blamed how easily 3 pointers are while others blame the presence of a team from Canada though the won't matter to the Raptors as they celebrate.

It won't be Esther

Esther McVey bid to become leader of the Conservative Party has failed. She failed to gain the backing of more than 17 of her fellow Tory MPs to go the next round of voting. In fact she came last with just 9 backers. McVey has been headlines for unwanted reason when a feud with Breakfast TV show host Lorraine Kelly came to light. McVey blamed this on a trio of left leaning colleagues including current Labour MP Gloria Del Peiro. The next round of voting will whittle down to 2 candidates  to decide who becomes leader.

Lorraine vs Esther

News has emerged of an extaordinay feud between one of the candidates to be leader of the Conservative Party and one of the UK's most high profile TV presenters. When Esther McVey went on ITV's Good Morning Britain to star her campaign to be Tory leader host Piers Morgan that in her prior morning show GMTV alongside Lorraine Kelly another presenter on Good Morning Britain. When asked Kelly gave a short curt response about barely remembering. McVey. 2 reasons have emerged. First is Kelly having opposing views to McVey on such subjects as Gay marriage. While the other dates back to 1999 when McVey stood in for regular GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips who was on materinty leave which lead to McVey position herself as the new star presenter on GMTV putting Kelly's noose out of joint. Due to her low profile McVey is not likely to be leader so will hope for a cabiner post while Lorraine has her fan base.

TV review - Year of the Rabbit

Starring Matt Berry, Freddie Fox and Alun Armstrong

10PM Channel 4 Monday

Matt Berry has his first starring role since his award winning turn in Toast of London in this spoof of Victorian Crime drama Ripper Street. Matt plays Rabbit a tough as nails (his dog chew off an eyebrow) cop bringing the law in his own way. From the start Year of the Rabbit gives you belly laughs as we see Rabbit demonstrate to School kid how to get confessions by beating up their teacher in front of them! Paul Kaye is a highlight as a rival of Rabbit while Armstrong as Rabbit's superior is a fine example of comic exasperation. The only weak point being the case of the week element of the show though we get a running plot of a conspiracy with a cameo appearance by Keeley Hawes whose husband Matthew MacFadyen was the star of Ripper Street. Year of the Rabbit with it's first episode has set a comic standard.

If feel inclined you can watch all episodes on All 4

TV ratings 09-06-2019

Just over 6 million viewers tuned in the Women's Football World Cup group game between England and Scotland which England won 2-1. The figure represents the highest ever ratings for a Women's Football match beating the previous record of 4 million who tuned to see England in the Euros semi finals 2 years ago.

Where do you come From?

After winning the Ladies Singles at Tennis's French  Open Australian player Ashleigh Barty decide to look at how many of her country women had won the title. Barty discovered one huge mistake.  The 1976 winner was classed as coming from Australia however the player turned out to be Sue Barker.. The last British player to win the title Barker went on to have a high profile media career. Organisers have said that they will rectify the mistake.

TV Review - Killing Eve

Starring Jodie Cormer, Sandra Oh, Fiona Shaw

9:15 PM Saturday BBC1

Picking up seconds after the conclusion of the first series the opening episode saw both main characters Oh's Eve and Cormer's Villanelle at low points. Oh gives a masterclass in emotional confusion as she stumbles through Paris after stabbing Villanelle in the stomach. along the way there is a humorous encounter as Eve tries to get back to London. Meanwhile Villanelle stumbles around seeking treatment for her wound ending in a hospital wearing a boy's superhero pyjamas! This opening episode was more of a set up of what is to come though very much enlivened by some sparkling dialogue. The forthcoming episodes should be some of the most unique viewing experiences of recent years.

Girls doing it for themselves

Tonight sees the start of this year's Women's World Cup in Football. The competition will see extensive coverage on the BBC. The game with the most interest for British is the match on Sunday between old rivals England and Scotland. This year will be the one Women's Football makes a premant on the UK conscious.

Not going to the con

Warner Bros Pictures have announced that for the first time in 20 years is not making a major presentation at this year's San Diego Comic. The event is the biggest Pop culture event with various companies previewing their offerings for the forthcoming year. It not as if Warner Bros have little to show the massed crowds this year. Among them the Wonder Woman sequel, The Shining follow up Dr. Sleep and the new version of Science Fiction classic Dune. Warner Bros will be holding a preview screening of It: Chapter 2 at a side event.

Paul Darrow (1941-2019)

The death has been announced of the Paul Darrow. His best known role was as Kerr Avon in the BBC's cult Science Fiction show Blake's 7. Avon was a reluctant member of the titular group of freedom fighters forever in a tense relationship with leader Roj (Gareth Thomas) Blake. However when Blake was killed Avon took over only for a twist in the final episode that Blake had faked his death only for the group to die in a blood bath. Darrow appeared in 2 serials of that other famous BBC SF show Doctor Who, 1970's Doctor Who and the Silurians and 1985's Timeleash. For the latter Darrow tried to channel Laurence Oliver's famed performance in his role as a bad guy however producer John Nathan-Turner was not impressed and told to stop playing the role in that way. Other show Paul appeared on include The Saint, Little Britain and Toast of London. With Blake's 7 Darrow can claim to have a cult following.


Paul Darrow R.I.P

The gambler's run is over

One of the longest winning runs on US game show Jeopardy! has come to an end. James Holzhauer won 2 and a half million dollars on the show where contestants win money by answering clues with an question. The key to James long run on the show was that he would answer the most difficult but most profitable questions first. James met his match in university librarian Emma Bottcher. James run was the second longest in the shows history.

Robert is Bruce

After some speculation Robert Pattinson has been confirmed as the latest actor to play the role of Bruce Wayne aka Batman. This will not go down well with those who associate Pattinson with the Twilight series of films which are frown upon in some cirlces because of their teenage girl fan base. The new film is said to focus on the caped crusader's skills as a detective and a large number of his rouge galleries including The Penguin. Pattinson is currently filming Tenant with Christopher Nolan who is famous for his own cinematic take on Batman with the Dark Knight trilogy of 2005-12. Filming on the new film is due to start within the year.

James not impressed with how his creation turned out

1997 saw the release of LA Confidential the film version of James Ellroy's crime novel of the starring Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger. The film received rave reviews and many awards including an Oscar for Basinger for her role as a prostitute. Though one of the few people not happy with the family was Ellroy himself. According to a report in The Guardian newspaper he called the film as deep as a tortilla and character actions made no sense. Though Ellroy admitted the money he has received from the film is very nice.

A return to duty

An new Call of Duty video game has been announced. It is a reboot of the Modern Warfare iteration of the brand that broke records when the 3 games were released between 2007-11. However the games did sparked contervesty, in one level of the third game an US special forces operator undercover with a Russian terrorist group finds himself in the middle of an attack on Moscow with the player given the option of killing people or not. The reboot with the simple title of Modern Warfare will be out later this year.

Who's in the final?

Britain's Got Talent suffered an embarrassing technical failure last night. A score board showing those who had made it to the Grand Final showed an act that had been eliminated instead of one that did make the final. The Grand Final is on Sunday.

We have to play where?

Tonight sees the final of the Europa League between London clubs Arsenal and Chelsa. The choice of venue has sparked much fury. The capital city of Azerbaijan Baku is hosting the game. This has caused many to complain about the distance fans will have to travel to see the final. The decision making Baku the hosts was 2 years ago. A decision made with not much hindsight.

Return to the Valleys

Every now and again a sit com hit (To the Manor Born and The Royale to name 2 examples) is revived for Xmas. This year it is the turn of Gavin and Stacey. The story of an Essex boy and a girl from Wales who fall in love. The show was written by James Condren and Ruth Jones who also play the titular characters best pals. Condren has made his name in the US winning a prestigious Tony Award and presenting his own late night chat show.

More gender swapping

Peep Show is the latest British TV show to be given an US make over. The Sit Com starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb as 2 misanthropic losers was unique in that scenes were played out in the point of view of the characters involved. However the proposed US version will have the main characters going from Male to Female. Of course gender swapping of characters in not an new thing. The most famous example is of course Doctor Who. However after a promising start ratings wise the figures went into a steep decline. Whether this new version of Peep Show gets off the ground remains to be seen.

Don't you remember these guys Harrison?

After the fan petition was launched for a second film detailing the early adventures of Han Solo Harrison Ford has stated that he will be the only actor to play another of his iconic character Indiana Jones. Harrison has seemed to have forgotten a couple of things. In the third Indy movie The Last Crusade there is a prologue featuring a teenage version of the character played by the late River Phoenix. There was also the TV series Young Indiana Jones Chronicles with Sean Patrick Flannery playing Indy and with guest appearances by the likes of Daniel Craig, Catherine Zeta Jones and Jon Pretwee to name just 3. Sorry Harrison.

We want more Solo

A fan petition has started for a follow up to last year's Solo: A Star Wars story. The campaign has the blessing of Ron Howard the director of the film after the pair of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were fired. The film has the dubious record of the lowest grossing Star Wars saga but that has not stopped the fans wanted another adventure with Han before the days he joined the rebellion.

Where have our points gone?

As if finishing last at this year's Eurovison Song Contest the United Kingdom has seen it's points total reduced. On the night the UK's enterent Bigger Than Us by Michael Rice scored 16 points. However due to complications over voting that has been reduced to 11. Rice is taking it all in his stride and saying it was a great experience.

TV ratings 21-05-2019

The second part of BBC1's new drama Years and Years posted a very disappointing figure. Starring Emma Thompson and written by Russell T Davies the dystopian drama was seen 1 and a half million viewers while on ITV Hatton Garden the dramatisation of the events surrounding the infamous robbery was seen by nearly 2 million more at the same time.

Not going well for Jamie

It has been announced the celebrity chef and healthy eating campaigner Jamie Oliver's chain of restaurants have gone into administration. The blame has been put on tough high street conditions. Oliver still has a couple of restaurants that were outside of the group operating. no word of how employees will be affected.

John Wick takes out The Avengers

At the North American box office Avengers Endgame reign as the weekly No 1 came to an end at the hands of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum the latest in the series of films starring Keanau Reeves as a hit man trying to turn his back on crime but for events to conspire against him. However there was was some good news for the fourth Avengers as it overtook Avatar to become the all time second highest grossing film at the North American box office with only Star Wars: The Force Awakens making more money.

Hatton Garden is here at last

This Monday night ITV's 4 part dramatic retelling of the Hatton Garden robbery begins.Diamonds worth up to £14 million were stolen during a daring robbery committed over Easter Weekend 2015. The drama was supposed to have been shown in December 2015 but due to legal wrangles over a trial one of the gang members was facing for another crime the drama was pulled from the schedules at the last moment because it felt it might be prejudicial. Another delay came when a gang member who evading capture was finally arrested and for the same reason it was delayed again. Now finally the drama can be shown however one curious thing is that an number of films (Including King of Thieves starring Micheal Caine0 about the event have come out about the event without much trouble.

We don't want Robert

Robert Pattinson has been linked with the title role of Batman in the next film to feature the Gotham City vigilante. However this news of Pattinson even being considered caused bit of a backlash with some fans launching a petition to dump Pattison from the role. The reason for this extreme reaction can be traced to Pattinson's role in the teenage vampire romance film series Twilight. Though the Twilight films were a massive box office success they were predominately seen by teenage girls and looked down upon by male viewers. Since the end of the Twilight series Pattinson has mainly worked in low budget films. Other actors being considered for the role of Bruce Wayne are Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Arnie Hammer. Hoult and Taylor-Johnson have comic book experience through the X-Men and Kick Ass films while Hammer played another mask wearing avenger in 2013's infamous The Lone Ranger co-starring Johnny Depp as Tonto. We should be hearing who is wearing the cape and mask in the next few months.

The numbers are in for Chris and Zoe

New figures have shown 1 million listeners tuned in Chris Evans new Virgin Radio in it's 3 first months. In the same period Evans replacement as host BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show Zoe Ball maintained the figures of 9 million listeners that were tuning into the show when Evans was in charge. If Virgin Radio hopes were that the listeners of Evans Radio 2 flock to his new show then they have been dashed big time.

It's over for Jeremy

ITV have announced with immediate effect that The Jeremy Kyle has been axed after a guest committed suicide after failing a lie detector test over weather he been unfaithful to his partner. The programme has made the headlines for all the wrong reasons more than once. On one occasion a man headbutted a love rival on the show and he was sent to prison, the judge called the show human bear baiting. Another show featured Mick Philpott who is currently serving a manslaughter sentcane for the deaths of 6 of his children after he set fire to their home in an attempt to frame his lover. The Jeremy Kyle Show will go down as one of the contersial programmes in UK TV history.

Deja vu Russell?

Tonight on BBC1 sees the start of Years & Years an new drama written by Russell T Davies. It tells the story of a family during a turbulent future in the UK. One of the reasons is the rise of a political outsider played by Emma Thompson. Some will be reminding of a simaller plot of the third series of the revived Doctor Who in which The Doctor's old foe The Master sizes power on the back of a populist movement. Another familiar element is the name of Thompson's Years & Years character Vivenne Rook which is a bit simaller to the character in the Harold Saxon arc of Vivian Rook a journalist who figures out Saxon is not who his and pays for it with her life. So what is Russell's obsession with the name of Rook?  Growing up Russell loved reading the late Jean Rook, a journalist for the Daily Express whose columns were scathing of the Royal Family. Another link to the third series of (what has become known as Nu Who) is that Ann Reid and Jessica Hynes who play members of the family in Years & Years appeared in early episodes of the 3rd series.

2019 BAFTA TV Awards - the results

Darkly comic thriller Killing Eve was the big winner of the night taking 3 awards. Best Drama Series, Best Actress for Jodie Cormer and Best Supporting Actress for Fiona Shaw, Sky drama Patrick Melrose took away 2 prizes for Best Drama Serial and Best Actor for Benedict Cumberatch, Ben Wishaw won for true life drama A Very English Scandal. Lee Mack beat Ant & Dec to the Best Entertainment award and Joan Bakewell was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

James Cameron: past and future

After Avengers Endgame passed Titanic to become the second highest grossing film at the international box office James Cameron posted his congratulations in the form of a print advert featuring artwork of the Avengers insignia sinking the ship. Cameron still holds the title of director of the biggest grossing film at the international box office. The past decade has seen Cameron working on an number of sequels to it. Disney through their takeover of 20th Century Fox have now became owners of the Avatar franchise have announced that the sequels will be released in alternating years with an new Star Wars trilogy. The first Avatar follow up is due for release in 2020.

Freddie Starr (1941-2019)

The death has been announce of Freddie Starr who at his peak was one of the UK's most popular comedians. Starr worked as a child actor he appeared in the film Violent Playground which starred David McCallum who would go onto star in The Man from U.N.C.L.E and NCIS. As anyone who was around in Liverpool in the 1960s Starr wanted to be a pop star but thanks to his mimicry skillls he found him having a career in comedy. As well having his own shows Starr would appear on other people's including sharing the screen with  none Muhammad Ali. Freddie Starr kept up his dramatic work with a role in the British Gangster film The Squeeze starring Stacey Keach. Due to his fame Freddie Starr was never far from the headlines some tines with frivolous ones like 'Freedie Starr ate My Hamster!' but much darker ones. Starr was arrested as a result of Operation Yewtree on historical sexual abuse allegations but was never charged. Freddie Starr did not live a quiet life.

Freddie Starr R. I. P.

You really should be careful Danny

The BBC have fired Danny Baker from his Radio 5 Live show after posting a tweet concerning the Duke and Duchess of Sussex first child being born. The offending tweet had a photo of a couple with a baby chimp in their arms. This was thought to be a reference to the Duchess ethic orgins and in a swift response Baker found himself out of job.

Gary and Jurgen's potty mouth

Last night saw a sensational second leg of the Champions League Semi Final between Liverpool and Barcelona. Liverpool staged a magnificent come back after losing the first leg 3-0  by beating their Spanish rivals 4-0. Jurgen Klopp the Liverpool was interviewed after the match. Klopp could not hide his delight and ended up using the f word. Before using the word Klopp made sure the interview was going out after the watershed before swearing. Gary Lineaker who was presenting match coverage for BT Sports was  told to say sorry for the swearing but he wasn't going to because Klopp was justified after his team's performance. Liverpool will find out who they will play in the final when Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur play their Semi Final second leg tonight.

Trouble in Westeros

Game of Thornes producers have found themselves under fire for a couple of issues. The first is some leaks detailing the plot of the shows final episodes with fans voicing their displeasure on what is supposedly is going to happen. Though people have to remember that the show overtook the books is based on a couple of seasons ago. The other is over the appearance of a Starbusks cup sitting next to Emila Clarke in a feast scene in the near medieval show. The producers claim it was a honest mistake and not sneaky product placement.

It pays to avenge

Avengers: Endgame after only 2 weeks is now the second highest grossing film at the international box office 2 Billion Dollars. If it continues at it's current pace it should overtake Avatar in a week or 2. One factor that has to be remembered that Avatar was bolstered by 3D screenings which had higher ticket prices. The early 2010s saw a 3D craze that saw nearly every film released in 3D though it seems to have died out. The first of the Avatar sequels is due out soon and director James Cameron still stand by 3D.

Avoiding spoilers

You may find yourself missing your favourite programme. So here are some tips to keep surprises fresh.


Avoid the internet

The world wide web is full of sites that discuss every detail while a programme is on


Avoid Newspapers

The printed press likes it spoilers


Avoid blabbermouths

There are people in the world who can not keep their mouth shut

Awful quiz show answer of the day 03-05-2019

On today's Tipping Point a contestants was asked for which 2017 Steven Spielberg film did Meryl Streep receive an Oscar nomination. The answer given was Pirates of the Caribbean which was released in 2003, did not star Sreep or was directed by Spielberg/ The actual answer is The Post.

Awful quiz show of the day 02-05-2019

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked which member of The Smiths wrote the novel The List of the List. The answer given was John Smith. The Smiths famously did not a member whose name was Smith. The actual answer is Morrisey.

Awful show answer of the day 01-05-2019

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked what is the name of a Buddhist temple. The contestant's answer was mosque. The correct answer is pagoda

These are forgotten

A couple of days ago I wrote about an Youtube video about forgotten 1980s British sit-coms. However the list included some baffling choices. Ever Decreasing Circles, Just Good Friends, Only When I Laugh and Shelly. Down below is a list of truly forgotten shows/

The Bounder

Peter Bowles coming off both Only When I Laugh and To the Manor Born stars a released fraudster who moves in with his sister (played by Roslind Ayres and his brother in law played by George Cole. The Bounder ran for 2 series between 1982-83. Of course round Cole was playing the iconic role of dubious businessman Arthur Daley in Minder

Laura and Disorder

Wendy Craig best known for being the downtrodden wife in Butterflies starred as a woman forever embarrassing her strait laced son. It ran for only 1 series in 1989


Morris Minor's Marvellous Motors

Under the nom-de-plume Morris Minor and the Majors Tony Hawks enjoyed a hit with the Beastie Boys spoof Stutter Rap (No Sleep Until Bedtime) which reached No 4 in the UK in 1988. A year later Hawks starred as the main character who was trying to prolong his music career. The character did not succeed and the show only lasted a year.

Put the lights on!

SPOILER

For those who have not yet seen the latest episode of Game of Thrones do not read this article until you have.

Some Game of Thrones fans were not happy with the lighting of the most recent episode. The episode entitled The Long Night saw our heroes defend Winterfell during a night time battle. Some viewers have complained that the episode was too dark to make out what was going on. As the episode ended with the Night King being by Ayra Stark just before the breaks out. Reports suggest that the next battle will place so viewers who were not happy can rest easy this time.

What makes you think they are forgotten?

A Youtube channel called The Foot of Our Stairs a few months ago put up a video which was an A to Z of Forgotten 1980s British Sit-coms. And as the title suggest there some that deserve the title of forgotten. Who can remember either Bottle Boys or Valentine Park with David Thewlis before his varied film career of the gritty social realism of Naked to the Comic book adventure of Wonder Woman. However the list has 4 entries that quite frankly baffling. They are Ever Decreasing Circles, Just Good Friends, Only When I Laugh and Shelly. Ever Decreasing Circles starred Richard Briers as a control freak, Penople Wilton his long suffering wife and Peter Egan as the suave new neighbour. A ratings hit, regularly repeated on the GOLD channel and one of current comedy king Ricky Gervis favourites so much he cast Wilton in his new show After Life. From  John Sullivan creator of Only Fools and Horses told the story of a woman played by Jan Francis who hooks up with the man (played by Paul Nicholas) who jilted her at the alter on their wedding day. The final episode which saw the couple finally wed in Paris was watched by millions. Only When I Laugh told the stories of a group of hospital patients and their constantly exasperated doctor. Starring 3 actors who had or would have other big sit-coms to their name. James Bolam who had done The Likely Lads/Whatever Happened to the Likely Lad, Peter Bowles who at the same time as doing Only When I Laugh had an even bigger hit with To the Manor Born and Richard Wilson who would go to play the iconic role of Victor Meldrew in One Foot in the Grave. Only When I Laugh is now and again repeated on ITV3. Shelley starring Hywell Bennett as an often unemployed sardonic wit. When Bennett died in 2017 many people commented their favourite role of his was as Shelley.

Mike Smith and the missing month

In death Radio DJ and TV personality Mike Smith has proved to be an awkward customer. When he was alive Smith barred the old UK Gold TV channel from showing repeats of editions of Top of the Pops he hosted for unknown reasons. Smith died in 2014 just as when BBC4's repeats of Top of the Pops entered the period when Smith worked on the show and again the blackout has continued. We now have come to a point in September/October 1987 where Smith with Gary Davies hosted 4 consecutive editions. For those unaware of the situation will have the shock of seeing the Bee Gees coming out of nowhere to displace Rick Astley from No 1. Rick had already lost his second of five weeks to a Smith edition and loses his final 2 at the top but at least he gets to be seen. House music Pioneers M/A/R/R/S lose their 2 weeks at No 1 and are not seen at all. Smith stopped presenting Top of the Pops in 1988 so with a very small number of exceptions the days will be behind us very soon..

The name is 25, Bond 25

Today saw the official launch of the production of the 25th James Bond. Daniel Craig returns for his fifth (and possibly final) film . Rami Malek who won the Oscar for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody is the bad guy. Lea Seydoux returns in her Spectre role of Madeline Swann. Bond's MI6 support are back with Ralph (M) Fiennes, Naomie (Miss Moneypenny) Harris, Ben (Q) Wishaw and Rory (Bill Tanner) Kinnear along with making his first appearance since 2008's Quantum of Solace Jeffery Wright as Bond's CIA associate Felix Leiter. Bond 25 (whatever it is titled) comes out April 2020.

Awful TV quiz show answer of the day 24-04-2019

On today's edition of Tipping Point a contestant was asked who won a BAFTA for his role in Alan Partridge: Scissored Isle. Answer given was Alan Partridge. It is Steve Coogan who plays Alan Partridge.