Before real Full Monty
The week ITV have been showing The Real Full Monty in which celebrities strip off for charity. One of them is Alexander Armstrong, those who remember his sketch show with Ben Miller for Channel 4 that ran between 1997 and 2001 will know the he is more than comfortable with going nude. One running sketch was Nude Practise a spoof of rural dramas like All Creatures Great and Small that saw Armstrong, Miller and co-star Sarah Alexander play nudist family members who run a veterinary pratice. However only season 3 is available on DVD so if you the Pointless host in all his glory you do have a bit of a search.
Thursday, 29 March 2018
Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Moonraker, the novel and the films
This Saturday on BBC Radio 4 the latest adaptation of Ian Fleming Bond novels starring Toby Stephens as 007. Those who only familiar with the film being the tale of megalomaniac Hugo Drax's attempt to commit global genocide may be surprised to find Drax (being played on radio by Samuel West) as a vengeful Nazi out to destroy London with a nuclear missile. That is not say that elements of the novel have not made it to the films. Please be aware there are SPOILERS.
The Spy Who Loved me (1977)
Bad guy Stromberg (as played by Curt Jurgens) plans to start WW III by having hijacked nuclear submarines launch ballistic missiles at both New York and Moscow. Bond foils this by changing the submarines to target themselves. In the novel Moonraker Bond redirects the missile to Target the submarine Drax is making his getaway
A View to a Kill (1985)
Tycoon Max (Christopher Walken) Zorin passes himself as an anti communist East European refugee when he really is a KGB agent. The novel Drax is seen by the public as a British war hero injured when he really was a disguised Nazi commando injured in a failed operation.
GoldenEye (1995)
Like Drax MI6 traitor Alec (Sean Bean) Trevelyan has a motive that dates back to the Second World War. The son of Cossacks whose group worked with the Nazis only at the end of the conflict sent back for execution by Stalin. His plan involves London being hit with a space based EMP weapon.
Die Another Day (2002)
Having spent an year in a North Korean jail following a mission supposedly killing Colonel (Will Yun Lee) Moon and being betrayed by a double agent Bond finds himself on the trail supposedly respectable business man Gustav (played by none other than Toby Stephens) Graves who is in fact Moon after a surgical procedure to change his identity. In early drafts the Moonraker character Gala Brand appeared however after rewrites she was changed to the traitorous Miranda Frost as played Rosumnd Pike who would later go on to play Pussy Galore opposite Stephens in the radio version of Goldfinger in 2010.
This Saturday on BBC Radio 4 the latest adaptation of Ian Fleming Bond novels starring Toby Stephens as 007. Those who only familiar with the film being the tale of megalomaniac Hugo Drax's attempt to commit global genocide may be surprised to find Drax (being played on radio by Samuel West) as a vengeful Nazi out to destroy London with a nuclear missile. That is not say that elements of the novel have not made it to the films. Please be aware there are SPOILERS.
The Spy Who Loved me (1977)
Bad guy Stromberg (as played by Curt Jurgens) plans to start WW III by having hijacked nuclear submarines launch ballistic missiles at both New York and Moscow. Bond foils this by changing the submarines to target themselves. In the novel Moonraker Bond redirects the missile to Target the submarine Drax is making his getaway
A View to a Kill (1985)
Tycoon Max (Christopher Walken) Zorin passes himself as an anti communist East European refugee when he really is a KGB agent. The novel Drax is seen by the public as a British war hero injured when he really was a disguised Nazi commando injured in a failed operation.
GoldenEye (1995)
Like Drax MI6 traitor Alec (Sean Bean) Trevelyan has a motive that dates back to the Second World War. The son of Cossacks whose group worked with the Nazis only at the end of the conflict sent back for execution by Stalin. His plan involves London being hit with a space based EMP weapon.
Die Another Day (2002)
Having spent an year in a North Korean jail following a mission supposedly killing Colonel (Will Yun Lee) Moon and being betrayed by a double agent Bond finds himself on the trail supposedly respectable business man Gustav (played by none other than Toby Stephens) Graves who is in fact Moon after a surgical procedure to change his identity. In early drafts the Moonraker character Gala Brand appeared however after rewrites she was changed to the traitorous Miranda Frost as played Rosumnd Pike who would later go on to play Pussy Galore opposite Stephens in the radio version of Goldfinger in 2010.
Tuesday, 27 March 2018
Awful quiz show answer of the day: 27/01/2018
On today's edition of Tipping Point contestants in which quiz show did Balilol College, Oxford beat Wolfson College, Cambridge in the 2016/17 series. One quickly buzzed in with the answer The Boat Race which of course is a sporting event. The correct answer is University Challenge.
On today's edition of Tipping Point contestants in which quiz show did Balilol College, Oxford beat Wolfson College, Cambridge in the 2016/17 series. One quickly buzzed in with the answer The Boat Race which of course is a sporting event. The correct answer is University Challenge.
Monday, 26 March 2018
Simon goes to the Beeb
Simon Cowell's production company Syco Entertainment are to produce an new talent show called The Greatest Dancer. What makes this announcement interesting is that it is being produced for BBC1. Cowell has been associated with ITV since the first series of Pop Idol and since then other shows like The X-Factor and Britain's go Talent. Another difference with other Syco shows will be the absence of mean spirited (including himself) judges. Will The Greatest Dancer prove that Simon Cowell can work with the BBC? Time will tell.
Simon Cowell's production company Syco Entertainment are to produce an new talent show called The Greatest Dancer. What makes this announcement interesting is that it is being produced for BBC1. Cowell has been associated with ITV since the first series of Pop Idol and since then other shows like The X-Factor and Britain's go Talent. Another difference with other Syco shows will be the absence of mean spirited (including himself) judges. Will The Greatest Dancer prove that Simon Cowell can work with the BBC? Time will tell.
Saturday, 24 March 2018
When actors complain.
It has become common practise for well known actors to complain about the career choices they have made. The latest, Christopher Eccleston. In an interview with the Radio Times Eccleston claims to have been blacklisted by the BBC after quiting after just one series. Claims that working on Hollywood Blockbuster made him want to slit his own throat. What Eccleston and others like him should realise such productions were be their biggest exposure.
It has become common practise for well known actors to complain about the career choices they have made. The latest, Christopher Eccleston. In an interview with the Radio Times Eccleston claims to have been blacklisted by the BBC after quiting after just one series. Claims that working on Hollywood Blockbuster made him want to slit his own throat. What Eccleston and others like him should realise such productions were be their biggest exposure.
Friday, 23 March 2018
The return of Michael Barrymore
An new documentary about the late comic Larry Grayson will see the first TV appearance of Michael Barrymore. It will be Barrymore's first TV appearance in 16 years. His profile was hit when builder Stuart Lubbock drowned to his death in Barrymore's swimming pool at his home during a party at his home. Even though he was never found to have any criminal culpability in Lubbock's death Barrymore has maintained a low profile these past few years. Barrymore will be talking about how he was a warm act for Grayson's tenure as host of The Generation Game. The documentary will shown on ITV3 over Easter.
An new documentary about the late comic Larry Grayson will see the first TV appearance of Michael Barrymore. It will be Barrymore's first TV appearance in 16 years. His profile was hit when builder Stuart Lubbock drowned to his death in Barrymore's swimming pool at his home during a party at his home. Even though he was never found to have any criminal culpability in Lubbock's death Barrymore has maintained a low profile these past few years. Barrymore will be talking about how he was a warm act for Grayson's tenure as host of The Generation Game. The documentary will shown on ITV3 over Easter.
Thursday, 22 March 2018
Stupid reason to be axed from a band
Chris Joyce the original drummer for Simply Red was fired far a rather bizarre reason. During the recording of the 1991 album Stars , Joyce services were dispensed with because lead singer Mick Hucknell was looking for a drummer who could drum like a drum machine. Hucknell found such a person in Gota Yashiki. Stars would prove to Simply Red's most successful album.
Chris Joyce the original drummer for Simply Red was fired far a rather bizarre reason. During the recording of the 1991 album Stars , Joyce services were dispensed with because lead singer Mick Hucknell was looking for a drummer who could drum like a drum machine. Hucknell found such a person in Gota Yashiki. Stars would prove to Simply Red's most successful album.
Wednesday, 21 March 2018
Dec goes it alone
Declan Donelly will host the 2 remaining editions of Saturday Night Takeaway. The edition that was supposed to be shown this Saturday as Donnelly's regular screen partner Anthony McPartlin was arrested for drink driving after a crash that involved 3 vehicles and an number of people taken to hospital. McPartlin has gone back into rehab after a doing previous stint last year.
Declan Donelly will host the 2 remaining editions of Saturday Night Takeaway. The edition that was supposed to be shown this Saturday as Donnelly's regular screen partner Anthony McPartlin was arrested for drink driving after a crash that involved 3 vehicles and an number of people taken to hospital. McPartlin has gone back into rehab after a doing previous stint last year.
Tuesday, 20 March 2018
The ordeal is here
Ordeal by Innocence the Agatha Cristie adaptation that was supposed to air on BBC1 during Christmas will finally be shown this Easter. When allegations of sexual assault concerning star Ed Westwick emerged the programme was pulled. Westwick's part was recast with Christian Cooke and scenes were reshot. This brings to mind about what happened with the recent Ridley Scott film All the Money in the World, after production had ceased allegations emerged about Kevin Spacey who had played the real life mogul J Paul Getty. Scott immediately recast the role with Christopher Plummer. The most impressive thing was that the film came out on it's earmarked release date and Plummer earned an Oscar nomination.
Ordeal by Innocence the Agatha Cristie adaptation that was supposed to air on BBC1 during Christmas will finally be shown this Easter. When allegations of sexual assault concerning star Ed Westwick emerged the programme was pulled. Westwick's part was recast with Christian Cooke and scenes were reshot. This brings to mind about what happened with the recent Ridley Scott film All the Money in the World, after production had ceased allegations emerged about Kevin Spacey who had played the real life mogul J Paul Getty. Scott immediately recast the role with Christopher Plummer. The most impressive thing was that the film came out on it's earmarked release date and Plummer earned an Oscar nomination.
Monday, 19 March 2018
Sunday, 18 March 2018
Friday, 16 March 2018
Saturday morning nightmare
In the days of the Saturday morning live kid things were prone to go wrong. Here are 3 examples
Iggy and the Bear
Legendary Rock wild man Iggy Pop had a sizable hit in 1986 with Real Wild Child (Wild One). So he appeared on ITV show No 73 and during a performance mimicked a sex act with a toy bear.
Captain Overboard
Captain Sensible one time drummer with The Damned and pop star in his own right appeared on BBC1's Saturday Superstore, only he was hungover. At one point he stood up on a chair and fell over he had to be helped to his feet by Keith Chegwin.
Hostile Caller
In 1989 family pop group 5 Star appeared on Going (the successor to Saturday Superstore) Live. During a phone in segment one caller shouted down the line 'Why are you so f****** s***'. Host Sarah Greene calmly swept the situation away.
In the days of the Saturday morning live kid things were prone to go wrong. Here are 3 examples
Iggy and the Bear
Legendary Rock wild man Iggy Pop had a sizable hit in 1986 with Real Wild Child (Wild One). So he appeared on ITV show No 73 and during a performance mimicked a sex act with a toy bear.
Captain Overboard
Captain Sensible one time drummer with The Damned and pop star in his own right appeared on BBC1's Saturday Superstore, only he was hungover. At one point he stood up on a chair and fell over he had to be helped to his feet by Keith Chegwin.
Hostile Caller
In 1989 family pop group 5 Star appeared on Going (the successor to Saturday Superstore) Live. During a phone in segment one caller shouted down the line 'Why are you so f****** s***'. Host Sarah Greene calmly swept the situation away.
Thursday, 15 March 2018
The name is Boyle, Danny Boyle
Oscar winning director Danny Boyle has confirmed that he is working with his long time collaborator John Hodge on the script for the next James Bond film. It should be said nothing is yet to be set in stone, Boyle is about to work on the new Richard (Four Weddings and a Funeral) Curtis film and if the script is not right he may not direct Bond 25 (as it is known now) after all. However who ever is directing the cameras should be rolling on 007's next big screen mission by the end of the year.
Oscar winning director Danny Boyle has confirmed that he is working with his long time collaborator John Hodge on the script for the next James Bond film. It should be said nothing is yet to be set in stone, Boyle is about to work on the new Richard (Four Weddings and a Funeral) Curtis film and if the script is not right he may not direct Bond 25 (as it is known now) after all. However who ever is directing the cameras should be rolling on 007's next big screen mission by the end of the year.
Wednesday, 14 March 2018
Jim Bowen (1937-2018)
The death has been announced of Jim Bowen best known as the host of the Darts based game show Bullseye. Even though he did not do well at school as boy he went into teacher training college after completing his National Service. He rose to the post of the deputy head by which time he had developed in theatrics which led to his stand up comedy career. After early TV appearance on the likes of Last of the Summer Wine and The Comedians Bowen would find his greatest fame as the host of Bullseye from between 1981 and 1995. Bowen would use such phases as 'You can't beat a bit of bully' as the show became a staple of early Sunday evenings. Jim Bowen will be remembered as one of the most enthusiastic game show hosts UK TV ever known.
Jim Bowen R. I. P.
The death has been announced of Jim Bowen best known as the host of the Darts based game show Bullseye. Even though he did not do well at school as boy he went into teacher training college after completing his National Service. He rose to the post of the deputy head by which time he had developed in theatrics which led to his stand up comedy career. After early TV appearance on the likes of Last of the Summer Wine and The Comedians Bowen would find his greatest fame as the host of Bullseye from between 1981 and 1995. Bowen would use such phases as 'You can't beat a bit of bully' as the show became a staple of early Sunday evenings. Jim Bowen will be remembered as one of the most enthusiastic game show hosts UK TV ever known.
Jim Bowen R. I. P.
Tuesday, 13 March 2018
Those who will guide the Games
HBO has revealed some details of the proposed Game of Thrones spinoffs. Among the names announced as show runners for the spin offs are Brian Hegland who in the space of one day won both an Razzie and An Oscar for The Postman and L. A. Confidential respectively and Jane Goldman who from mainly being known as the wife of Jonathan Ross has made a name for herself as a screen writer of such films as Kick-Ass and Kingaman: The Secert Service. Work on the spinoff will begin after the final season of GOT screens next year.
HBO has revealed some details of the proposed Game of Thrones spinoffs. Among the names announced as show runners for the spin offs are Brian Hegland who in the space of one day won both an Razzie and An Oscar for The Postman and L. A. Confidential respectively and Jane Goldman who from mainly being known as the wife of Jonathan Ross has made a name for herself as a screen writer of such films as Kick-Ass and Kingaman: The Secert Service. Work on the spinoff will begin after the final season of GOT screens next year.
Monday, 12 March 2018
Comics on Who
The death of Ken Dodd has brought many tributes and retrospectives of his career. Beside his stand up work Dodd made appearances on different TV shows including Doctor Who. Below is Dodd's role and 3 other comic stars who appeared.
Delta and the Bannermen
The 1987 story saw Dodd play The Tollmaster who heralded groups of extra- teresstital tour. Unbeknown to The Tollmaster a fugitive alien princess stows aboard the latest tour group. The Tollmaster is killed by the vicious alien race after her.
Revalation of the Daleks
In 1985 Alexi Sayle played The DJ who played the music for the last rites of the good and the great of the universe. However as the title suggests those horrors from Skaro are not too far away. Before he is exterminated The DJ takes out a couple of Daleks with sonic Rock and Roll. Other names considered for the role include Jasper Carrot and Phil Collins.
City of Death
The famed 1979 Douglas Adams ghost written story that deals with multiple counterfeit Mona Lisa's drew a huge audience thanks to an ITV strike (remember those were the days of 3 channels) saw 2 famed comedy stars. John Cleese and Eleanor Bron play a couple of art critics who marvel at the TARDIS as a piece of installion art even after it teleports away.
The death of Ken Dodd has brought many tributes and retrospectives of his career. Beside his stand up work Dodd made appearances on different TV shows including Doctor Who. Below is Dodd's role and 3 other comic stars who appeared.
Delta and the Bannermen
The 1987 story saw Dodd play The Tollmaster who heralded groups of extra- teresstital tour. Unbeknown to The Tollmaster a fugitive alien princess stows aboard the latest tour group. The Tollmaster is killed by the vicious alien race after her.
Revalation of the Daleks
In 1985 Alexi Sayle played The DJ who played the music for the last rites of the good and the great of the universe. However as the title suggests those horrors from Skaro are not too far away. Before he is exterminated The DJ takes out a couple of Daleks with sonic Rock and Roll. Other names considered for the role include Jasper Carrot and Phil Collins.
City of Death
The famed 1979 Douglas Adams ghost written story that deals with multiple counterfeit Mona Lisa's drew a huge audience thanks to an ITV strike (remember those were the days of 3 channels) saw 2 famed comedy stars. John Cleese and Eleanor Bron play a couple of art critics who marvel at the TARDIS as a piece of installion art even after it teleports away.
Sunday, 11 March 2018
End of the Tour?
Reports have emerged that Amazon may be axing The Grand Tour. The motoring show that Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May started after Clarkson was fired from Top Gear after hitting a production team member for not having a hot meal ready for him after a day's filming. Hammond and May left Top Gear saying they could not make the show without Clarkson. The Grand Tour has not been without it's moments on contervesty, one example being an quip Hammond made about the sexuality of those who eat Ice Cream. If the reports about the axe falling on The Grand Tour are true then Clarkson won't be out of as reported before he is the host of the revived Who Wants to be a Millionaire?.
Reports have emerged that Amazon may be axing The Grand Tour. The motoring show that Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May started after Clarkson was fired from Top Gear after hitting a production team member for not having a hot meal ready for him after a day's filming. Hammond and May left Top Gear saying they could not make the show without Clarkson. The Grand Tour has not been without it's moments on contervesty, one example being an quip Hammond made about the sexuality of those who eat Ice Cream. If the reports about the axe falling on The Grand Tour are true then Clarkson won't be out of as reported before he is the host of the revived Who Wants to be a Millionaire?.
Friday, 9 March 2018
Jezza will ask the question
It has been confirmed that Jeremy Clakson will be the new host of the revived Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Besides Motoring programmes Clarkson has also hosted a chat show bearing his name and History documentaries. Soon we shall see if the show has the same impact it had 20 years ago.
It has been confirmed that Jeremy Clakson will be the new host of the revived Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Besides Motoring programmes Clarkson has also hosted a chat show bearing his name and History documentaries. Soon we shall see if the show has the same impact it had 20 years ago.
Thursday, 8 March 2018
How to get Jeff to talk.
When guitar legend Jeff Beck refused to appear on The Old Grey Whistle Test, his record label's plugger (promotions man for those unfamiliar with the term) resorted to extreme measures. He went to Beck's home in a chauffeur driven limo and took off his clothes during the journey for which he also brought bagpipes. When he got there he got of the car and started playing the bagpipes. Beck had not met the man before demanded he who was and what he wanted. The plugger told him, Beck told him that he would do the show on one condition and that the plugger would just as then appear on the show naked playing the bagpipes. The condition was met and Beck made his appearance on with the plugger fulfilling his end of the bargain at the start of the interview.
You can see the interview on Youtube.
When guitar legend Jeff Beck refused to appear on The Old Grey Whistle Test, his record label's plugger (promotions man for those unfamiliar with the term) resorted to extreme measures. He went to Beck's home in a chauffeur driven limo and took off his clothes during the journey for which he also brought bagpipes. When he got there he got of the car and started playing the bagpipes. Beck had not met the man before demanded he who was and what he wanted. The plugger told him, Beck told him that he would do the show on one condition and that the plugger would just as then appear on the show naked playing the bagpipes. The condition was met and Beck made his appearance on with the plugger fulfilling his end of the bargain at the start of the interview.
You can see the interview on Youtube.
Wednesday, 7 March 2018
The music on the express has stopped
Today it has been announced that The New Musical Express (or NME as it is more commonly known) is to cease publication as a print title. The NME will still carry as an on line web site. This decision made in part due to declining sales is also a reflection on music today is consumed. With sites such as I-Tunes and Spotify being the main method that people today get their music fix. I leave you with one thought did anyone 10 years ago see that Vinyl would make a come back? Perhaps some years from now NME will make a return to print.
Today it has been announced that The New Musical Express (or NME as it is more commonly known) is to cease publication as a print title. The NME will still carry as an on line web site. This decision made in part due to declining sales is also a reflection on music today is consumed. With sites such as I-Tunes and Spotify being the main method that people today get their music fix. I leave you with one thought did anyone 10 years ago see that Vinyl would make a come back? Perhaps some years from now NME will make a return to print.
Tuesday, 6 March 2018
Awful quiz show answer of the day 06-03-2018
On Today's edition contestants were asked in which soap opera does the Pub The Woolpack appear in. One buzzed and said immediately not Coronation Street before getting round to give the proper answer only for the buzz to signal the end of the time sounding. The answer of course is Emmerdale.
On Today's edition contestants were asked in which soap opera does the Pub The Woolpack appear in. One buzzed and said immediately not Coronation Street before getting round to give the proper answer only for the buzz to signal the end of the time sounding. The answer of course is Emmerdale.
Monday, 5 March 2018
Oscars 2018 round up
This year's ceremony managed to avoid any cock ups. The Shape of Water was named Best Picture. Guillermo del Toro (winner of Best Director) made a reference to last year's shambles by checking the envelope. No film claimed a vast amount of awards. Probably the most popular of the night was Gary Oldman for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
This year's ceremony managed to avoid any cock ups. The Shape of Water was named Best Picture. Guillermo del Toro (winner of Best Director) made a reference to last year's shambles by checking the envelope. No film claimed a vast amount of awards. Probably the most popular of the night was Gary Oldman for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
Sunday, 4 March 2018
Get it right this time!
Tonight sees the Oscars come round again. This year will offer redemption for 2 legends who made headlines for the wrong reasons at last year's cermonary. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were involved the debacle that saw La La Land announced as Best Picture only turned out that Moonlight was the proper winner. The pair will be announcing this year's Best Picture. We shall know by tomorrow.
Tonight sees the Oscars come round again. This year will offer redemption for 2 legends who made headlines for the wrong reasons at last year's cermonary. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were involved the debacle that saw La La Land announced as Best Picture only turned out that Moonlight was the proper winner. The pair will be announcing this year's Best Picture. We shall know by tomorrow.
Friday, 2 March 2018
The Sandman cometh again.
DC Comics and famed writer Neil Gaiman have announced the launch of a new imprint centred around characters from Gaiman's famed Sandman comic. The title brought an adult sensibility to the medium. One of the characters is Timothy Hunter a magical youth whose appearance has been compared to Harry Potter. Hunter first fictional appearance predates Potter's by seven years. The new titles will be launched in August.
DC Comics and famed writer Neil Gaiman have announced the launch of a new imprint centred around characters from Gaiman's famed Sandman comic. The title brought an adult sensibility to the medium. One of the characters is Timothy Hunter a magical youth whose appearance has been compared to Harry Potter. Hunter first fictional appearance predates Potter's by seven years. The new titles will be launched in August.
Thursday, 1 March 2018
TV ratings 28-02-2018
The first edition of a Coronation Street double bill got.7.61 million viewers yet an hour later the second half got lost over 2m to record a figure of 5.56 million. Part of this can be explained by the rescheduled edition of Holby City that was moved from it's usual Tuesday slot due to a FA Cup replay.
The first edition of a Coronation Street double bill got.7.61 million viewers yet an hour later the second half got lost over 2m to record a figure of 5.56 million. Part of this can be explained by the rescheduled edition of Holby City that was moved from it's usual Tuesday slot due to a FA Cup replay.
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