More than Film

After the news that the long running BBC Film programme here is a list of programmes in the same vein.


Moviedrome

At first presented by Alex Cox and then by Mark Cousins. Each week a film that could classed as a cult would be shown with an introduction explaining it's unique. Films shown range from the commercial fare like The Terminator, Scarface and Mad Max 2 to more arthouse fare like Walkabout and Girl On a Motorcycle.

Talking Pictures

After a first series that took it self far seriously Howard Schuman came as a far more witty presenter. The programme had items that focused on upcoming releases and aspects of film making such as storyboarding.

Scene by Scene

Another programme presented by Mark Cousins. Each week he would show big screen legends (Sean Connery, Kirk Douglas, Lauren Becall to name 3) scenes from their films. One memorable exchange came when Cousins asked Terence Stamp what it was liked working with Marlon Brando on Superman. 'Funny' was Stamp response, 'in what way funny' and Stamp responded 'Tommy Cooper funny' referring to the famed comedian/magician.

June Whitfield (1925-2018)

The death has been announced of June Whitfield. Rightly considered to be the Grand Dame of the British Sit-Com, her early work included the role of an nurse in the the famed The Blood Donor episode of Hancock's Half Hour. Whitfield appeared in an number of Carry On films. One of her most productive working relationships was starring with Terry Scott, Happy Ever After and Terry & June. In 1992 Jennifer Saunders wrote the role of her mother for her. It lead to an new beginning in Whitfield's career and she played the role up to the 2016 film version of the show. On radio Whitfield played Agentha Christie's spinster sleuth Miss Marple and she would later appear in an episode of the ITV series Marple. June Whitfield leaves behind an impressive body of work.

June Whitfield R. I. P

Film no more

The BBC has announced the end of the long running Film programme. The show which started in 1971 was a mix of reviews, interviews, news and reports in including on-set items on froth coming films. The most famous host was Barry Norman who hosted the show from 1972 to 1998. The last couple of years has seen rotating hosts. In recent years viewers have complained of the many changes show has had. It appears they did not save the show.

TV review - The ABC Murders

Starring John Malkovich, Rupert Grint, Tara Fitzgerald

BBC1 21:00 Wednesday

Nearly 2 years ago I did a count down of the best episodes of David Suchet's tenure as Agretha Christies dapper Belgian dective Poirot. Coming out on top was The ABC Murders which in a bit of mischief was aired on ITV3 just before this new 3 parter started. This version finds Poirot alone in the world and having to make do with hosting murder theme parties. Just as the same Poirot starts receiving taunting letters from a taunting killer however when he goes to Scotland Yard in the hope of receiving help from his good friend Inspector (Kevin McNally) Japp he finds that he has retired and when he goes to visit him he dies from a heart attack. Poirot then finds himself dealing with a younger policeman (played by Grint) who has no respect for Poirot and even questions his background. This new continues the grim and gritty vein of recent Christie adatatopms by Sara Phelps, One victim is a very hateful character who flaunts her sexuality in an manner that when she turns up dead on a beach you glad she is dead. Another loathsome character is landlady played by Shirley Henderson who rents out her daughter for her tenants sexual needs, Not without it's problems such as Grint even with a moustache looking far too young to be a senior policeman, this version of The ABC Murders is not for every one

The ABC Murders continues tonight and concludes tomorrow.

TV ratings 22-12-2018

Once upon a time the festive period would see a dramatic viewership however these days are long gone as evidenced by last night ratings. The first part of BBC1's CG animated version of Watership Down was watched by 3.67 million viewers, the second and final part is on tonight. However ITV have nothing to crow about as a repeat showing of Return of the Jedi got a million less viewers as Watership Down at the same time. We are looking at what might be record low of festive viewership.

Not Going Out anytime soon

Tonight on BBC1 a special live edition of the Sit-Com Not Going Out is being shown. The show has been going out since 2007 and has on one occasion survived he axe. Though never a spectacular ratings hit in the manner garnering a viewership of around 5 million viewers. So how did it survive the axe? It is said that DVD sales of the show were so large that the cancellation of the show would mean a large loss of income for the BBC!

Mary vs Julie

This week sees the release in cinemas of Mary Poppins Returns starring Emily Blunt as the titular magical nanny. The role was first played on the big screen by Julie Andrews in an Oscar winning performance. Julie has a part in a competing release, in comic book adaptation Aquaman she provides the voice to the sea Leviathan Karathean who in standing guard over an ancient trident that provides the film it's resolution.

You catch both Aquanan and Mary Poppins Returns at cinemas this weekend

Lewis and his choice of words

Though he may have not won BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lewis Hamilton made an impact but for the wrong reason. When interviewed by Gary Lineaker about his unique background for a F1 driver Lewis said he came from the slums. Reaction in his hometown of Stevenage was that of outrage, Lewis has since admitted to a wrong choice of words.

Goodbye Jose or perhaps not

Jose Mourinho has been sacked as manager of Manchester United after a being beaten 3-1 by arch rivals Liverpool. One person not shedding any tears was Man U player Paul Pogba. The World Cup winner posted a tweet that was somewhat mocking of Jose which he then deleted. Some have called for Pogba to be given the axe himself. Man U meanwhile are searching for their fourth boss in 5 years.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2018

Last night Tour De France winner Geriant Thomas was named this year winner. He beat out F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Harry Kane who lead England to the semi finals of the FIFA World Cup and earning himself the Golden Boot for the most prolific goalscorer in the competition. Tennis legend Billie Jean King was given the Lifetime Achievement award in recognition for her work in advancing the Women's game.

Cibnall and those on Youtube

When Chris Chibnall was first announced I wrote about how in 1986 he and various other members of the Liverpool branch of the Doctor Who Appreciation Society confronted the show's then producer John Nathan-Turner with their displeasure at the show's direction on the BBC1 TV discussion programme Open Air. Now it is Chibnall is the man in charge and thanks to the rise of the internet and Youtube in particular the scrutiny is even more higher. Here are the 3 most outspoken of Chibnall's critics.

Bowlestrek

Without a doubt the most outspoken of Chibnall critics. His reviews of the last series episode are scathing. His dismay at the political content of the episodes is massive. He does not think much of Jodie Whitaker's acting skills.

El Patron

His main complaint of the new fans have attracted. His main complaint is that their political ideology makes them over sensitive to criticism of the shows new direction.

Alteroi

For those who complain that critics of the shows new direction are nothing but misogynistic men here is a women.. She gives a measured approach in describing the weak points in the shows new approach.

You can see videos from all 3 on Youtube

TV Ratings 09-12-2018

The final of this year's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! was watched by 12.10 million viewers. They saw Harry Redknapp being crowned this year's King of the Jungle. While over on BBC1's social drama Care was watched over 3 million viewers. Earlier on the same channel the final episode of this years Doctor Was watched by 5.32 million viewers. Apart from a special on New Year's Day there will be no new Who in 2019 with the next series being broadcast in 2020.

Hey Jimmy do you want to be ratings fodder?

Tonight on BBC1 an one off drama called Care will be screened. It is about a woman (played by Sheridan Smith) who seeks to find the proper accommodation for her Mother (as played by Alison Steadmen) after she suffers a severe stroke. It is written by Jimmy McGovern who is best known for many hard hitting dramas some of which are based on true life events like the Hilsbourgh disaster. However Care will be facing an uphill task to gain a large audience as it will be facing the final of this year's I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!. This has IAC most successful year in terms of ratings. To make up for absence of Ant McPartlin while he recovers from well documented personal problems producers put together the most high profile line up of camp mates (Noel Edmonds, John Barrowman to name just 2) in years. The result has been that IAC seen it's best ratings for 5 years. While the winner of this year's IAC will not be known until they are announced the ratings battle between BBC1 and ITV is in no doubt.

Fiona is in charge

After much speculation it has been confirmed that Fiona Bruce is the new host of BBC1's political discussion programme Question Time. She will become the first women to moderate the some times fiery exchanges that tend to happen on the programme. No news as yet on Fiona's other hosting duties on The 10 O'clock News and The Antiques Roadshow.

Herclue and the case of deja vu

On Boxing Day BBC1 will be showing the first part of it's adaptation of Agretha Christie's Herclue Poirot novel The ABC Murders starring John Malkovich as the Belgian defective. However earlier that day ITV3 will showing the 1993 version starring David Suchet as Poirot. However this not the first time the rival broadcasters have had a battle over different versions of the authors work. In the mid 2000s ITV started producing their own version of Miss Marple the BBC responded by repeating the much admired Joan Hickson adaptations from the mid 1980s to early 1990s. How the new version of ABC Murders compares the previous will be decided this Xmas.

No I don't move like that

Last night the World governing body of Football FIFA gave out it's annual awards. There was raised eyebrows when Ada Hegerberg collected the award for Women's Player of the Year, As she collected the award Ada was asked by host Martin Solvig if she Twerk. Twerk for those who don't know is a sexually provactive dance. Ada tersely responded that she did not. Solvig's question provoked outburst of fury world wide. One person who vented their fury was 3 time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray. What should have a major showcase for Solvig has turned into a PR disaster.

TV ratings 31-11-2018

The penultimate episode of the current series of Doctor Who was watched by 5.1 million viewers. This was down from the 5.7 million who watched the previous episode, There are currently rumours that both star Jodie Whitaker and show runner Chris Chibnall are going after the next series. Despite being the least watched series of X-Factor, the final was watched 7 million viewers. It saw judge Robbie Williams reuniting with 3 of his Take That band mates.

Alan Dale in the States

Neighbours the Australian Soap Opera will this Christmas will see the return of the character Jim Robinson even though the character had died. However actor Alan Dale who played Jim has been very busy since moving to the US. Here are some of the films and TV shows he has been in.


24

In the clock ticking thriller series Alan played fictional US Vice President Jim Prescott. In the second season he made a play for the main job but was foiled.

NCIS

Alan played NCIS director Tom Morrow for the long running shows first three seasons. The character made the occasional return before being killed by a renegade CIA agent.

Star Trek:Nemesis

In the last of the TNG films Alan under prosthetics plays Romulean Preator Hiream. His character barely lasts a few minutes as a chemical attack reduces him and others to crumbling statues

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skulls

When Indy survives a nuclear blast by getting into a fridge he finds himself being grilled by FBI agents about the KGB being on US soil. Alan plays an US Army General who gets him out of it.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Alan plays the role of a World Security Council member in what seems to be running theme in his career. This time by Robert Redford's covert HYDRA agent

Noel is out

The first personality to be voted out of this year's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! was in a shock result Noel Edmonds. Noel can console himself with being paid six hundred thousand pounds for his appearance and being given his highest profile in the media for at least a decade.

Picking a song

It has nearly 10 years since the UK had a top 5 placing in the Eurovison song contest. Since then the country has seen it's entries for the most part seen finish in the bottom half. The latest attempt will see 3 songs in the final selection contest performed in 2 different musical styles. The song in it's most popular style will be the one going to next year's in Israel. Weather it bucks the trend will have to be seen.

TV review: Vic & Bob's Night Out

Starring Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer

10PM Wednesday night BBC4



Last night was the start of the duo's first show in a very long time. It is mainly made up of the 2 having surreal conversations, one of which descends into a bout of cartoon violence. An other is interrupted by 'Tom Cruise' just before he performs a stunt. There are spoof adverts from a Norfolk based which offers would be customer the choice of either mud or soil to throw. but the highlight is a talent show of which one contestant is able to yodel backward and still he doesn't win! The pair's brand of humour is not for everyone but for those who can take it is a great laugh.

Roger Cook and the man called Goldfnger

Investigate reporter Roger Cook made his name with conformational style when dealing protection rackets, fake antiques dealers etc. But the most famous subject to come under his attention was John Palmer the man who earned the nickname Goldfinger thanks to his part in the 1983 Brinks Mat Gold Bullion robbery. Palmer smelted down part of was then worth £28 million of stolen. Palmer stood trial in 1987 for his part but was found not guilty though there were suspicions of jury tampering. In 1994 Cook did a programme in Palmer was filmed offering to launder drug smuggling money. Justice finally caught up with Palmer when he was jailed in 2001 for a time share fraud.. However when Palmer was ordered to pay back the money the legal papers were not filed. In 2015 Palmer was shot dead in his garden however at first it was thought he died of natural causes. Even after a Crimewatch appeal Essex Police have not made any arrests in connection with the case. An year later Cook made a programmer for the BBC's Inside Out West which detailed the extent of his influence within law enforcement so much that a surveillance operation had to be ran from a RAF base in Crumbia. In death Palmer has become a figure of great mystery.

You can see the program on Youtube
 

Ed is back

BBC2's 1980s set comedy White Gold is making a return. The show about a trio of double glazing will feature the return of Ed Westwick. The actor faced charges of sexual assault in California but they were dismissed by the authorities. Westwick career was heavily affected by the allegation. He was edited out of BBC1's Agretha Christie drama Ordeal by Innocence and replaced by another actor for those scenes that had first featured him. The new series should be seen next year.

What Bill said about Stan

Outspoken US chat show host was one of those who was not touched by the death of Comic Book legend Stan Lee. Maher went as far to suggest that comics were symptomatically of a society that elected Donald Trump as US President. After much outrage Maher clarified his statement by saying he did not read comics even as a child but stood by the main jest of his comment. The ironic thing was that Stan Lee was a known Democrat.

Fiona in charge?

Reports suggest that Fiona Bruce is being lined up to replace David Dimblely as Chairperson on Question Time. If she does so she will become the programme's first female presenter. Dimblely 2 predecessors were Peter Sissons and Robin Day.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 22-11-2018

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked who Nicola Sturgeon promoted to the role of Scottish Finance Secretary out of 3 options. The contestant went for Ruth Davison. As everyone know Davison is an opponent of Sturgeon in her as leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

Noel's promise

Perhaps the biggest open secret of British TV in recent years. Noel Edmonds is taking part in this year's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!. To add to spice to his appearance Edmonds has said that if he wins  this year's contest then he will quit television for good. Edmonds has been known for lengthy gaps in his TV career. After his massively popular Noel's House Party ended in 1999 he did not appear back on television with Deal or No Deal 6 years later which itself lasted 11 years. Weather Noel holds true to his promise remains to be seen.

Name That Tune Mk II

The BBC have announced an new music based quiz show. Playlisters will ask contestants to identify song and artists from a period strecthing from the 1960s to the present day. It will be presented by husband and wife pop stars Marvin and Rochelle Humes. People of a certain age will remember Name That Tune, it ran on ITV from 1979 to 1988 hosted at first by Tom O'Connor then by Lionel Blair. In 1997 they was a short lived revival presented by Jools Holland. Playlisters is due to make it's debut next year.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 19-11-2018

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked in which futuristic action movie did Peter Weller play the character of Alex Murphy. The contestant answered Back to the Future. The answer is of course Robocop.

The 3 toughest characters in popular fiction not named Jack Reacher

Joe Ledger

Former US Army Ranger and Policeman Leger finds himself working for a clandestine US Government department that deals with threats of a highly scientific nature. A couple of cases Leger worked on are weaponised zombie and Human/Animal hybrids. In the end Ledger and his comrades always come out on top.

Scot Harvath

Ex US Secret Service man turned deniable black ops agent Harvath has dealt with an number of threats to the USA. A Russian steatlh attack, a terrorist attack on Manhattan and stopping an ancient virus being weapoinised. Harvath will enact a brutal form of justice on those who endanger both US citizens and soil.

Louis

For once not the main character in the series he appears in Louis is very important on John Connolly's Charlie Parker novels. In that anyone who wishes to do harm on Parker then they will find themselves dealing with Louis and his (in more ways than one) Angel and the former is a very proficient killer. Connolly turns his focus on Louis's past in the novel The Reapers.

3 reasons why size matters for Jack Reach

Following on from the news that the role of Jack Reacher will be recast with an actor more suited to the towering description in the novels by Lee Child. Here are 3 examples of Reachers build coming to the fore.

One Shot

The novel that formed the basis for the first Tom Cruise features one of the characters most novel ways of dispatching a bad guy. Faced with a foe even larger than him, Reacher bear hugs him to death silting his throat just to make sure. For obvious reasons this scene was not in the film


Persuader

Again Reacher faces off with an enemy just as large as him. This time he has to get to a pair of guns on a wind swept. Reacher uses smarts to get his hands on them and blows the bad guy away in the crashing sea.


Night School

Set during Reacher's days as a MP in which he is on the trail of an US soldier selling the location of missing WMDs in Hamburg. Reacher finds himself messing around with Neo Nazi thumbs. Despite being outnumbered Reacher is the last man standing.

Sorry Tom size does matter

News has come out that a Jack Reacher TV series is being developed. Lee Child's one time military investigator turned nomadic hero has been the main character of 2 films starring Tom Cruise. The first film titled Jack Reacher based on the novel One Shot was a modest box office hit But Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (based on Never Go Back) failed to live up to the standards of it's predecessor. Fans of the novels were aghast at the news of the casting of Cruise citing that he did not match the description of Reacher in the books as an near giant. Reacher guessed Cruise had been cast as his creation when he had been invited to dinner at a very expensive restaurant by Paramount Pictures . Child now admits to Cruise not having the height to play Reacher. Reacher fans will be hoping for a more suitable casting.

You can see Child talking about his expensive dinner on Youtube.

Stan Lee: his best cameos

In the various adaptions of the characters he created, Stan Lee would invariably would make a cameo appearance in them. Here are the 3 best of them.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

When Reed (Ion Gruaffed) Richards and Sue (Jessica Alba) Storm get married a large number turn up for the wedding. Stan turns up and is asked for his name which he gives only to be turned away.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

When Bruce (Ed Norton) Banner finds himself working in a bottling factory in Brazil a cut when working there he suffers a cut the sends a sample of blood into a soda bottle which is drank by a man played by none other than Stan.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Thanks to his heroics in WWII Steve (Chris Evans) Rogers gets a medal however he does not turn up leaving an embarrassed Government official has to info another of his absence. Stan plays an Army officer who Cap was bigger.

Stan Lee (1922-2018)

One of the Titans of Pop Culture Stan Lee has died. Where some people are lucky to create no more than 2 characters that stand the test of time, Lee created a whole stable. Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Daredevil, Iron Man, X-Men and the Fanstic Four to name just a few. In most cases these were characters who gained their powers through accidents of science. Lee built Marvel Comics as the market leaders in the comics markets. In the last decade Marvel expanded into films with so much sucess they were taken over by Disney. Stan Lee will be remembered as someone who left a massive mark on pop culture.

Stan Lee R. I. P.

TV ratings 11-11-2011

Despite vast amounts of promotion the the first part of David Attenbourgh's new series Dynasties was watched by 5.9 million viewers. This compares with the 10.3  who watched the premiere of Blue Planet II last year. The slight decline of Doctor Who continues with the latest episode being watched by 5.77 million viewers. The big winner of the night was Strictly Come watched by over 10 million viewers.

David and the World

Tonight sees the start of the new Sir David Attenbourgh natural history series, Dynasties. In recent years Sir David's programmes have become ratings blockbusters. Last year's Blue Planet II attracted viewing figures of over 13 million beating the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and I Am Celebrity Get me Out of Here!. Not bad for someone who next year will turn 93.

Forgotten 1980s Pop heart throbs

This week sees the release of When the Screaming Stops, a documentary about Bros. The band who were massive in the late 1980s before splitting up. Here are 3 Pop acts who were big in the same period who probably won't get the same treatment

Johnny Hates Jazz

With hits like Don't to Be a Hero and Turn Back the Clock Johnny Hates Jazz enjoyed huge success in the late 1980s. Their biggest hit was Shattered Dreams which was a Top Ten in the US thanks to a video directed by future Oscar nominee David Fincher.

Curisoty Killed the Cat

The band had a stellar start when their debut album Keep Your Distance reached No 1 in the Album charts. The video for the single Misfit featured none other than Pop art guru Andy Warhol. After the band's next 2 albums failed to the success of their debut, they broke up.

Brother Beyond

Coming from the SAW stable that gave us Rick Astley, Kylie Minouge and Jason Donovan, Brother Beyond were a rare band to come from that source. Erstwhile rivals of Bros things came to a head at the 1989 Brit awards when they were both up for Best British Newcomer. When Bros were announced their rivals showed how they felt by booing them as they went to collect the award.

That's Life to return?

Esther Rantzen has hinted at the return she is most famous. That's Life ran for 21 years between 1973-94. A mix of consumer affairs, human interest and moments of humour. Each week the programme would warn the public of unscrupulous money making schemes such as fake car window washing products. The show also campaigned on many other issues such as awareness for the need of organs to be transplanted to young children. To brighten out proceedings there humorous monologues from the likes of Mollie Sugden, photographs sent in by the public of rudely shaped objects and animals that seem able to talk. Rantzen hit the headlines when filming an item of on the streets she was arrested for breach of the peace. If the show does return weather can create the same impact of the original run remains to be seen.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 07-11-2018

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked which Margaret Mitchell novel had the opening line  'Scarlett O'Hara was not considered beatuiful'. the answer given was Wuthering Heights. The answer of course is Gone With the Wind.

The last Brother

Last night saw the broadcast of the last ever edition of Big Brother. The programme had an impact on UK TV weather you liked it or not. Some would cite that when it turned from what had been a social experiment to a showcase for fame hungry nobodies. Big Brother will go down as a show that had a small bu fanatic following.

TV ratings 04-11-2018

Despite a much reported technical fault from the previous night's edition X-Factor was only watched just only 4 million viewers. The second episode of The Little Drummer Girl was watched by just under 3.64 million a drop of over 1 million from the first episode. The fifth episode of the new run of Doctor Who was just watched 6 million viewers, this represents a continuing decline.

Getting fired from a job in the media

With yesterday's new of the return of Tomorrow's World I was reminded when a host was fired. Down below is the specife incident and 2 others.


Carol Voderman

In the mid 1990s Tomorrow's World dumped the studio demonstrations of new inventions to just being filmed items. Voderman was brought in to provide links for the items. However less than a year later after starting the job she found herself in hot water .Voderman did an advert for Ariel washing powder in the manner of her presenting an item on Tomorrow's World. After complaints of the BBC endorsing a commercial product Voderman was fired though she claims there was nothing in her contract. Carol still maintain a high profile with her presenting the civic minded Pride of Britain awards this week.


Russell Brand

The boundaries pushing comedian once had his own Radio 2 show where he would he talk about various subjects with guests. One week Andrew (Manuel in Fawlty Towers) Sachs was to be on the show however when he did not turned up Brand and another guest Jonathan Ross phoned Sachs home. The phone call had Brand saying he had met his granddaughter with Ross shouting in the background that Brand had sexual relations with her in very frank language. The resulting furore saw Brand and Ross issue grovelling apologies to Sachs and his granddaughter and the controller of Radio 2 at the time fired.


Jess Yates

Yates presented Stars on Sunday a show in which celebrities would perform either bible readings or hyms. Among them were Diana Rigg, Christopher Lee, Norman Wisdom, Bing Crosby and Roy Orbison to name just 5. However when news broke that Yates (he was separated from his wife at the time) was having an affair with an younger woman he was fired as host. A few years after his death Yates found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons as it turned out the woman (Paula Yates) he had raised as his own turned out to be the child of the infamous Hughie Green.

Tomorrow is coming back

On the 22nd of this month one of the most iconic titles makes an one off return on BBC4. For 38 years between 1965 and 2005 Tomorrow's World reported on scientific developments and in studio demonstrations of the latest inventions. Maggie Philbern and Howard Stableford who presented the show in the 1980s will be returning to present this one off.

The Doctor is not coming this Xmas

It has been announced that for the first time since it returned in 2005 Doctor Who will not have a Christmas special. Instead there will be an episode on New Year's Day. This is not the first time the new run has has had an episode go out on that day, David Tennat's final episode in the role went out on New Year's Day 2010. The reason given for the gap this year is that the production team have run out of ideas to tie plots into the festive period!

Awful quiz show answer of the day 01-11-2018

On today's Tipping Point contestant were US President declared the intention to put a man on the moon. One contestant gave the answer of Eisenhower. It was course a famous declaration of John F Kennedy.

An unwanted front cover

Normally the front page of The Radio Time is devoted to a puff piece article on an upcoming programme but this week is entirely different. The cover features current Radio 2 Drivetime hosts Simon Mayo and Jo Whiley though the article about them is not a happy one. Instead the article focuses on the current troubles that are plaguing Radio 2. Since the late 1990s Radio 2 has become the UK's most listened to radio station. However the ratings to the station have been on the slide for the past year. Breakfast host Chris Evans has seen his show sink to it's lowest ratings, Evans is now moving to commercial broadcaster Virgin with Zoe Ball taking over the show at the end of year. The Drivetime show has been the centre of much debate ever since Whiley joined Mayo as co-host. However this move proved unpopular with listener with some voicing hostile reactions with Mayo having to defend Whiley. It has since been announced that Mayo will be leaving Radio 2 (he will still his Radio 5 Live Film Show with Mark Kermode) with Whiley leaving the show to be replaced by Sara Cox. Another changes that have raised the ire of include the dropping of long time Blues music programme Paul Jones in favour of Cerys Matthews. One could compare the current situation at Radio 2 to that of Radio ! in the early 1990s that some would say led to Radio 2 gaining the most listened title in the first place.

TV ratings 28-10-2018

The fourth episode of the current run of Doctor Who attracted nearly 6 and a half million viewers while the first part of The Little Drummer Girl was seen by almost 5 million viewers. Meanwhile The X-Factor continued it's downward slide with barely 4 million.  The big winner of the night was Strictly Come Dancing (which it has to said has been going just as long as The X-Factor) was watched by just over 9 million.

Drummer Girls

Starting tonight on BBC1 is the adaptation of the John le Care novel The Little Drummer Girl. The tale of an English actress who finds herself caught up in a Mossad operation to catch the bombers targeting Jewish targets in Europe. This is not the first time the novel has been brought to the screen, in 1984 Dianne Keaton starred in a Hollywood film version. The main character is inspired by le Care's own half sister the actress Charlotte Cromwell, she had a bit part in another film adaptation in one of his novels The Russia House. Charlotte Cromwell's other TV/Film credits include New Tricks, The Mentalist, Toast of London and The Saint.

Not enough tweeting

A report has emerged that suggests what are the standards that shows have to meet if they are to survive on Netflix. It appears that the number of tweets about a programme following it;s release. The report points the number of tweets about the second series of Luke Cage after a week were sharply lower that the first series at the same point. If true it seems to be rather trivial.

TV ratings 21-10-2016

The latest episode of Doctor Who was watched by over 6 million viewers. This was down on the previous week but this could be explained by the fact there was live coverage of the US F1 Grand Prix on Channel 4. X-Factor continued it's slump with just 4 million viewers.

No more Cage

Streaming giants Netflix has announced that Luke Cage has been axed. This follows hot on the heels of another Marvel based series Iron Fist being axed. No official reason was given and given Netflix's sercery over ratings we don't know if it was down to low viewership. Others have suggested that with Marvel's oweners Disney about to launch it's own streaming service some would say Netflix are being underhanded. No word as yet on the 3 remaining Netflix Marvel shows Daredevil, Jessica Jones and The Punisher.

Gamesmaster is over

After 25 years Gamesmaster magazine is closing down. Taking it's name from the TV show of the same name. And like it was a mix of reviews and features about video games. However the TV show ran for only 6 years compared to the magazine. Gamesmaster  At the same time another video games magazine is being axed with Games TV.

No playback for Owen

On tonight's repeated edition of a 1986 edition of Top of the Pops will be Owen Paul. Performing his sole Top 40 hit My Favourite Waste of Time in a more successful manner than his appearance on Daytime chart show Pebble Mill at One. For the performance Owen and his backing band  were standing outside the studio for the performance. However after the introduction Owen and co were still standing still despite the song playing.Owen's explanation was that if he and his band did not hear the audio playback of the of song then they would not mime to it.

Yon can see the incident on Youtube as part of a Room 101 clip featuring Paul Merton and Davina McCall.

Not for my daughter

Oscar nominated actress Kiera Knightley has revealed that she won't allow her daughter to watch the Disney films Cinderella and The Little Mermaid. Knightley explained her reasoning, on Cinderella she has issue with the idea of waiting around for a rich man to whisk you away from your troubles. While she likes the songs in The Little Mermaid she doesn't like the idea of giving up your voice for a man. Knightley most popular role was in the Pirates of the Caribbean films which were produced by Disney!

Not for sale

After much rumours Wembley Stadium will not be sold. to Shahid Khan after all. Khan withdrew his bid for the iconic stadium. If he brought it he would moved the NFL team owns, the Jacsonville Jaguars in. Khan has not refused to rule any future bids.

TV ratings 15-10-2016

Bredan O'Carroll's trivia quiz show For Facts Sake got off to a bad start with just over 2 million viewers The programme that preceded it on BBC1 Peter Kay's Comedy Shuffle, the show which is a mix of Kay's stand up routine and clips from shows like Phoenix Nights and Carshare was watched by 3 million a million more than FFS. Is O'Carrolls golden touch deserting him?

TV ratings 14-10-2018

The second episode of the new series of Doctor Who saw a slight fall in viewers. The Ghost Moument was waeched by only 7 million viewers. Elsewhere new ITV drama Butterflly was watched by just under 3 million viewers.

From London to Dublin: a correction

The Brexit debate on The Late Late has already happened. In a short clip you can find Campbell telling Farage to 'own his shit'.

The clip is on Youtube

From Dublin to London

Famous Irish TV chat show The Late Late Show is going is going to London for a special edition. Among the guests lined up to appear are Graham Norton and Brendan O'Carroll. There is also a debate about Brexit between Alistair Campbell and Nigel Farage. No news on whether this edition will turn up on British screens. If it does it will not be the first time it has appeared for a British audience. Between the mid 1980s and the late 1990s it was a Monday afternoon fixture when hosted by Gay Bryne. Bryne was succeeded by Pat Kenny who had to deal with a stage invasion when a man came on shouting Bryne and Kenny wer A*******. The show is now presented by Ryan Tubridy.

You can see Kenny's awkward situation on Youtube.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 11-10-2018 part 2

On today's Pointless contestants were asked to name a film starring one four actors, Gregory Peck, James Dean, Michael Keaton and Ryan Gosling. One contestant offered as answer Rear Window. As everyone with even the most passing knowledge of films knows it starred James Stewart.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 11-10-2018

On today's edition a contestant was asked to name the last ten Conservative and Labour party who were never Prime Minister. One answer was Barbra Windsor an answer wrong for so many reasons.

LL in the hall?

Currently best known for his role as tough as nails Navel investigator Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angles rapper turned actor LL Cool J is up for an accolade for his musical side. He has been name as one the nominees for 2019 Rock and Hall Fame inductions. Among the other acts aiming to be one of the five acts to be inducted are Def Leppard, Janet Jackson,, Rage Against the Machine, Roxy Music and Stevie (already in as part of Fleetwood Mac) Nicks. The first act of the process is a fan vote with the top 5 vote earners gaining a point in the final decision process. The inductees will be announced at the start of next year.

Cringeworthy title of the year goes to...

Starting on BBC1 next Monday is an new quiz show hosted by Brendan O'Carroll the man who gave life to the foul mouthed. The premise of the show is ordinary people with extraordinary facets to their lives. The name of the show? For Facts Sake, given the past work of the host you don't need long to figure out why the title cringeworthy.

TV ratings 7-10-2018

After much hype the debut of Jodie Whittker in the role of The Doctor in Doctor Who finally hit the screens. It pulled 8.4 million viewers the highest rating for a regular episode for 10 years. Weather the rest of this series can be maintained will of great interest to many people.

Ray Galton (1930-2018)

The death has been announced of Ray Galton who in partnership with Alan Simpson can be considered as pioneers of the British Sit Com. The pair made their mark working with Tony Hancock on his radio show Hancock's Half Hour. The show was then transferred to TV where Galton and Simpson provided scripts to such classic episodes as Twelve Angry Men and The Missing Page. However Hancock in one of his charactisly eccentric moves fired not only Galton and Simpson but his agent Beryl Veture after a meal at an expensive hotel on the basis he could not crack the States with the trio. Then in 1962 the pair created Steptoe and Son. The show ran for 12 years even had a couple of spin off films. Though the pair would never have any other shows that had the impact their previous work had enjoyed. the fact that Galton and Simpson worked on 2 all time classics has seen them earn their reputations as TV legends.

Ray Galton R I P

No more Hannibal

It has been announced that Thomas Harris will have an new novel published in 2019. It will be the first since his 1975 debut Black Sunday not to feature the character of Hannibal Lecter. Lecter first appeared in 1981's Red Dragon but became a pop culture phenomenon thanks to Anthony Hopkins portrayal in the 1991 film version of Silence of the Lambs. Other than the exclusion of Lecter nothing is known about the novel.

 Lethal no more

It has been announced that Damon Wayans is leaving his role as Roger Murtuagh in the TV version of Lethal Weapon. This is the latest setback the show has suffered, Clayne Crawford who played the Mel Gibson role of Martin Riggs was forced after complaints about his on set behaviour. Seann William Scott best known for his role in the American Pie films took over as an all new character. The show came back with a 13 episode count shorter than the standard 20+. With Wayans exit it is now likely that this iteration of Lethal Weapon is no more.

Radio history sort of repeats itself

Zoe Ball has been announced as replacing Chris Evans as the host of BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show from next. This not the first time Ball has replaced Evans as the host of a radio breakfast show. In 1997 Evans quit as host of BBC Radio 1's show that then saw a 8 month interim period that saw Mark Radcliffe and his comic partner Lard then followed by that with Ball co-hosting with the late Kevin Greenig. After a year Ball took over on a solo basis and presented it until March 2000. Weather Ball is accepted by the Radio 2 morning audience remains to be seen.

Memories of kids afternoons

After the death of Geoffrey Hayes here are 3 more examples of kids afternoon shows

Mr Benn

Created by David McKee it centred on the titular business suit and bowler hat wearing character's adventures when he goes to his nearest fancy dress shop when upon changing into an either a knight or a spaceman he enjoys a maleficent adventure. Narrated by Ray Brooks

Pigeon Street

Before Eastenders there was Pigeon Street. Each episode focused on a resident of the titular street all the while being observed by (would you guess) pigeons. Narrated by Derek Griffiths.

The Raggy Dolls

Before Toy Story popularised the idea of toys coming to life when unobserved there was The Raggy Dolls. A group of discard toys come to life go on adventures when no one is watching, Monty Python collabetr Neill Innes provided both the narration and theme tune.

Geoffrey Hayes (1942-2018)

The death of Geoffrey Hayes has been announced. For 18 years between 1974 and 1992 Hayes entertained childetn on the show Rainbow, simply named Geoffrey he would with the help of his house mates Bungle, George and the mouthy Zippy would teach kids life lessons in a cheerful manner. Hayes started out as a serious actor with his biggest credit was a recurring role on long running BBC cop show Z Cars. Rainbow came to an end in 1992 when it's makers Thames lost it's ITV franchise. Hayes tried to restart his acting career but found directors could not shake his Rainbow image from their heads though Hayes would still talk about Rainbow.

Geoffrey Hayes R I P

Jodie for the BAFTA

When awards season comes round next year one performance should been taken notice, Jodie Comer as Russian assassin Villene. What could have been a standard femme fatale role (just think of the numerous bad ladies who think they have James Bond number but it turns he has theirs) is given a fresh spin by Comer. She gives her role an almost child like out look which her actions all the more unsettling. One example being when Villene concocts a perfume designed to bring out a fatal asthma attack, when the murder is carried out Villene just watches and says to her victim 'Bye bye'. Comer's co-star Sandra Oh was nominated for an Emmy but lost to Clarie Foy for The Crown but in my view Comer should win the Best TV Drama Actress award for her Killing Eve role.

Best of: The Professionals

Martin Shaw and Lewis Collins are Ray Doyle and William Bodie who under the command  of Gordon Jackson's George Cowley are agents of CI5 all forms of bad guys. These are the ten best episodes.

1. Runner

A terrorist seeks revenge on Doyle for the death of his brother by planning to unleash chaos on the streets of London. The terrorist is played by Michael Kitchen nowadays best known for his role as the noble Christopher Foyle in Foyle's War.

2. The Ojuka Situation

Bodie and Doyle find themselves assigned to the protection of a disposed African (played Clarke Peters) leader but find that they may some one close the leader who working those who want to kill him. Playing the leader of a group of South African hitmen is Charles Dance

3. Stopover

A missing presumed dead British agent reappears. He comes with news of a high ranking KGB agent wishing to defect. But are things as they seem

4. Heroes

A group of have a go heroes find themselves marked for death by the hitmen whose latest killing they interrupted. Bodie and Doyle work with an unstable agent to stop them.

5. The Purging of CI5

The bombing of Cowley's own office signals the start of a wave of deadly bombing against CI5 itself. The motive goes back to Cowley's past

6. A Man Called Quinn

Quinn a British agent left mentally broken by years of torture breaks out of the alysunm where he is being treated leading to Bodie and Doyle to go on his trail. Steven Berkoff plays a Soviet bad guy just like Octopussy and Rambo: First Blood Part II

7. Hijack

A crime boss leans of a forgien government making sercertive shipment from one of it's embassy workers. So he decide to help himself and end coming to CI5's attention

8.  Blood Sports

When the son of South American dictator is killed. Bodie and Doyle are assigned to protect the sister. Doyle ends up falling for her. Featuring an early appearance by Pierce Brosnan

9. First Night

An Israeli government official is kidnapped in broad daylight. However the kidnappers have non political demands

10. Spy Probe

Retired British agents are targeted for death by hitmen. Bodie and Doyle find that a mole in the highest echelons of British Intelligence is covering his tracks.

Emmys 2018

The big winner at this year's even was Game of Thrones. With one final season the epic screen verson of George R R Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice. However viewership was down with blaming the fact that many awards went  to some what lesser profile show that do no have

Dudley Sutton (1933-2018)

The death has been announced of the Dudley Sutton. Over the course of his career he racked up many notable credits. Probably the most famous of them being Tinker cohort and mentor to the titular character in the TV series Lovejoy starring Ian MacShane. They were guest spots in the likes of The Saint, Porridge, The Sweeney to name just a few. His film credits include Ken Russell's contervisal The Devils. There are 3 productions that Sutton worked on still awaiting public distribution including a modern day version of A Midsummer's Night Dream. With his unique features and talent to back it up Dudley Sutton was an unforgettable presence.

Dudley Sutton R.I.P.

No longer watching Brother any more.

After a period of speculation Channel 5 has confirmed that it is dropping Big Brother. The station picked up the show after Channel 4 dropped it in 2010. Some cynics said it was because then C5 owner Richard Desmond needed content for another of his outlets the Daily Star newspaper. The recent celebrity hit the headlines over a bust up between 2 of the house mates. The announcement was made on the day on what will be the final series started. Endemol the production company that makes Big Brother have said they hope to find an new home for the show though that remains to be seen.

Henry may not be super anymore

Reports have emerged that Henry Cavill may be no longer playing the Kal-El the last son of Krypton otherwise better known as Superman. He first played the role in 2013's Man of Steel which was followed by Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the following year's Justice League. The latter 2 suffered from negative critical reactions, the latter from having to use CG to cove Cavill's facial hair that he grown for his role in Mission Impossible: Fallout.  The next bid film to be based on a DC Comics is Aquaman starring Jason Momoa out this December.

TV ratings 10-09-2018

Last night saw the lunch of 2 heavily promoted drama production. ITV's Hong Kong set Thriller Strangers was seen by just over 4 million viewers meanwhile BBC2's Black Earth Rising which dealt with the weighty topic of the Rwanda genocide was seen by just over a million viewers.  It seems that BBC1's Bodyguard is more than satisfying viewer drama demands. The next big drama launch is BBC1's Killing Eve which has already gone out in the US and earned one of the stars Sandra Oh an Emmy nomination.

TV Ratings 09-09-2018

BBC1's Bodyguard continued it's impressive run with over 7 million viewers. Meanwhile ITV's Vanity Fair was seen by less than 3 million viewers, one effect of it's failure is that  it could jeopardised a future production of Pride and Prejudice being made by the same production company.

The curious career of Hugo Blick

Starting on Monday night on BBC2 is Black Earth Rising a drama about the genocide in Rwanda, the cast includes John Goodman. It is written and directed by Hugo Blick who has a varied career to say the least. He started out as an actor where one of his first roles was in 1989's Batman where he played the young Jack Napier who in adulthood becomes The Joker as played by Jack Nicholson. However in 1997 Blick stepped behind the camera to co-write, direct and produced Operation Good Guys which pioneered the mockumentary genre that was popularised by The Office. Following a special Police unit Operation Good Guys is a bit more outlandish than those that followed in it's path both in terms of plot (the team have to deal with a cult the forbids the use of toilets) and celebrity cameos including as themselves Jude Law and Johnny Lee Miller follow the team for an upcoming film. Blick followed this Marion and Geoff where Rob Brydon played the titular Geoff a taxi driver who video records his memories of his failed marriage. Then came Blicks turn to more dramatic territory with Sensitive Skin starring Joanna Lumley as a woman going through life changing events. This was followed by the crime drama The Shadow Line. And prior to Black Earth Rising there was The Honourable Woman starring Maggie Gyllenhaal which centred on the Israel-Palestine situation. And now with Black Earth Rising Blick adds to his varied resume.

Before Alec as Donald there was Peter

Alec Bladwin is currently receiving plaudits for his impression of US President Donald Trump British actor/performer Peter Serafinowicz did an even better one.  Peter had a sketch show that ran for one series on BBC2 in 2007. One sketch had the future President firing contestants on reality show The Apprentice with the words 'I hope you get cancer' in his usual abrasive manner. Other sketches in the show include Herclue Poirot and Miss Marple enjoying a torrid affair, Noel Edmonds fighting off a zombie and the World's worst lawyer. You will probably will have to hunt around to find a DVD copy of The Peter Serafinowicz Show but if you do find one you will be in for a very long time laughing.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 06-09-2018

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked which city became the capital of Germany after it's reunification in 1990. the answer given was Hamburg. Berlin is of course the correct answer.

Who is going to Sunday

After much speculation it has been confirmed that the next series of Doctor Who will going out on Sunday. For many the show has always been a Saturday night staple though there have been 2 spells in the 1980s when it went out on week nights. Between 1982-84 for the whole of Peter Davison's reign and the start of Colin Baker's saw it go out twice, this was trial run for a future soap that in the end turned out to be Eastenders. However the next time time it happened was far more contervisal and still rankles with Whovians to this day, Sylvester McCoy for his entire reign found himself against Coronation Street when it was at it's ratings peak. Some fans claim this was a ploy to justify the axing of the show. In 1989 what is known as Classic Who ended and for 16 years (apart from 1996 TV movie and a couple of charity specials) Doctor Who was off TV screens. No new as yet on what time it is going out but given the current weak ITV line up on that night should offer some hope.

TV ratings 03-09-2018

The second episode of ITV's Vanity Fair was watched by under 3 million viewers. This is some what of an embarrassment for the broadcaster given the heavy promotion they gave the production. With 5 more episodes to go ITV have given BBC1 an open goal. Vanity Fair may go down as a proper vanity project as ITV controller Kevin Lygo said one of the reasons he commissioned the production was the novel was one of his Mum's favourites!

TV ratings 02-09-2018

Last night saw a clash of 2 heavily hyped dramas however there was only 1 winner. BBC1's thriller Bodyguard was seen by 6 and a half million viewers while ITV's period drama Vanity Fair was watched by barley over 3 million. This is some what of an embarrassment for ITV giving the heavy promotion they gave to their production. The second episode of Vanity Fair goes out tonigtht faces some what easier factual opposition on BBC1. Weather or not Vanity Fair can stage a ratings come back remains to be seen.

How many times Becky?

Tonight ITV will showing the first episode of it's adaptation's of William Thackeray's novel Vanity Fair, the tale of social climber Becky Sharp. This will be the fourth screen version of the novel in 31 years, prior to this year's ITV version the BBC made it for TV in both 1987 and 1998 while there was a big screen version starring Reese Witherspoon. Why some pieces of text get made over and over and again tends to get the same answer, it has something to about the day they were made. Now in the 1980s you could make the case of equating Becky with the Prime Minister of the Margaret Thatcher but other than that it seems just tired thinking. Here is a thought to finish on it has taken over a century after it was first published for a period accurate version of H G Wells classic War of the Worlds even with the advances of VFX in the last 30 years.

ITV mornings - the lowlights

Following on from the Kim Woodburn incident where ITV morning programmes have had embarrassing situations.


The Time, The Place

Considered to be lightweight discussion programme one edition was taken off air due to violence erupting in the studio. The reason? Black audience members took exception to a Black Male model wearing a skirt!


GMTV

Host Eamon Holmes had an interview to remember for all the wrong reasons. The interviewee was US Illusionist David Blaine who throughout the interview just groaned his way through the interview.


This Morning

Another example of a Holmes interview going wrong was when he and his wife Ruth Langsford interviewed the singer David Cassiday. The pair badgered a visibly Cassiday about his finical status. Holmes after the interview badmouthed Cassiday, a year later the singer died.

Kim vs the Women

Loose Women ITV's female focused chat show can hardly be called a model of restraint but Yesterday's edition has seen it come in for some major trouble. One of the guest was Kim Woodburn who shot to fame on the TV show How Clean Is Your House? in the 2000s. Last Year Woodburn appeared on Celebrity Big Brother with one of the regular hosts of Loose Women Collen Nolan and the pair did not have a harmonious relationship. And yesterday the bickering continued as Woodburn's appearance descended into a constant argument between her and Nolan which ended with Woodburn walking off set in tears. And now broadcasting regulator OFCOM has said it has received 3 thousand complaints over the interview. Many people will waiting on the result of the investigation with some worry.

Jack hits the telly

Lee Child has revealed plans to bring his famous creation Jack Reacher to TV screens. The main character of 23 novels that sees the ex military policeman takes on evildoer in his own manner. There was outcry when Tom Cruise was cast as the character because of one factor, he is much shorter than Child  describes Reacher. No further information on the proposed series as yet.

TV ratings 27-8-2018

Bodyguard's second episode was watched 6 and a half million viewers. This sets up an interesting clash on Sunday when ITV launches it's much hyped costume drama Vanity Fair. Like Bodyguard the next episode of Vanity Fair will go out the next day facing much easier opposition in the form of a missing persons documentary.

TV ratings 26-8-2018

The much hyped Bodyguard was seen by 6.74 million viewers on BBC1 last night. The second episode airs tonight with the remaining episodes airing on Sunday. They will be facing another hugely hype drama in the form of ITV's adaptation Thackeray's Vanity Fair. We are for a bit of a ratings battle.

Before Bodyguard there was Bodyguards

Tonight on BBC1 sees the start of new drama Bodyguard. Written by Line of Duty writer Jed Mercurio and starring Richard (Robb Stark in Game of Thrones) and Keeley (a veteran of Line of Duty) Hawes. Madden plays the role of a war veteran turn protection officer who finds himself protecting a Home Secretary (played by Hawes) whose polices he despise. Those with a long memoary of British TV will remember an ITV drama by the name of Bodyguards. Created by Jeffery Caine credits also included such films as GoldenEye and The Constant Gardner and starring Sean (son of Jon the Third Doctor) Pretwee and Louise Lombard. The show ran for one series in 1997 after a pilot in 1996. It focused on a special unit handling senstive assignments. One episode was about the unit protecting a double agent who has returned from Russia to attend the funeral of a relative, the subject of the protection detail was played by Michael Williams whose wife Judi Dench had started to play James Bond's superior M.  Another piece of trivia about Bodyguard was that name of Lombard's character was Liz Shaw which was the name of the Third Doctor's first assistant as played by Caroline John.

Big Brother is taking a break

Ben Frow controller of Channel 5 has announced that Big Brother will be taking a break next year. The show has seen viewer figures decline in the last few years though the current Celebrity version has had steady ratings. Whether Big Brother makes an actual return remains to be seen.

We have to wait for Mr Bond

Following from the news of Danny Boyle exiting as director of the 25th Bond film news has came it has now been moved back 2020. With a 5 year gap between it and SPECTRE this represents the longest gap since the 6 year one between Licence to Kill and GoldenEye due to various legal issues. GoldenEye would turn out to be a magnificent of the Bond films. We will to see what happens with the next one.

We are not expecting you Mr Boyle

One of the reasons for the recent departanture of Oscar winner Danny Boyle from the director's chair of the next James Bond film has emerged. One of the sticky points appears to be the casting of the film's bad guy, Boyle wanted to cast unknown Polish actor Tomsaz Kot but producers Barara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson plus star Daniel Craig were dead set against this idea. Given that the villians of the last 2 films were played by Oscar  winners (Javier Bardem and Christioph Waltz) you can understand why the 3 were so reluctant to go on a less proven actor. No news as yet on who will be replacing both Boyle and scribe John Hodge who went with him at the same time.

Ladies are taking over

A few days ago this year's Hugo awards took place. Recognising the best in Science Fiction in both printed and visual media from the past year. And there was an noticeable trend among this year's winners. For genre that some consider to be Male dominated most of the prizes went to Women. One of the most striking wins was the Wonder Woman beating the Best Picture Oscar winner The Shape of Water to Best Long Form Dramatic Presentation award, both have both have Female protagonists but the former was actually directed by a (Patty Jenkins) Woman. We shall have to wait and see if SF somewhat mysngotic image is now gone.

Goodbye St Jaime

Jaime Oliver who in the last few years had become known for his crusades for healthy eating has come under fire for his latest product lauch. Jerk Rice has been slammed for cultural apparition by one MP Dawn Butler over it's perceived links to the Caribbean. Meanwhile Levi Roots perhaps the most famous and successful person to get a deal on BBC2's Dragons Den with his Reggae sauce said Oliver had made a mistake in launching the product. After the closure of an number of branches in his restaurant chain this is the latest smudge on Oliver's reputation.

From DJ to the Doctor

Among the directors announced for the forthcoming season of Doctor Who the main name that springs is Mark Tonderai. In a previous life Tonderai was a Radio DJ even enjoying a brief tenure at BBC Radio 1 where he even appeared in a TV promo for the station along with 2 big name DJs John Peel and Simon Mayo. In recent years he has turned his hand to Film and TV directing. He directed Jennifer Lawrence in the film The House at the End of the Street and has directed episodes of Gotham and Black Lighting. Tonderai episodes will be coming up in a few months time.

The passing of radio time

Pick of the Pops on BBC Radio 2 this past Saturday featured the Top 20 of this week in years 1978 and 1991. In 1991 Pick of the Pops went out on BBC Radio 1 and featured the years 1959. 1969 and 1975. One of the songs from 1991 that was played was the Hi-Nrg dance number Move Any Mountain by The Shamen, did anyone 27 years ago expect that record to be played on BBC Radio 2 ever? I be coming back to this subject later on in the week.

No sign of Stormy

Last night saw the start of the latest series of Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother. Supposed to be joining the likes of Cheers star Kristie Alley, Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett and infamous trader Nick Leeson was Stormy Daniels who has shot to worldwide attention through her claims of having an extra-martial affair with Donald Trump before he came to be US President. However she did not turn up and early this day she was supposed to appear ITV's This Morning to explain her absence however again she did turn up. It was left to presenter Jane Moore to explain after having an off screen conversation with Daniels. The reason relates to a child custody battle she is currently engaged in. How CBB does without Daniels remains to be seen.

One bodyguard too many?

In a couple of week BBC1 will start showing Bodyguard the latest much hyped drama by writer Jed Mercuio. It stars Richard Madden as a soldier turned Special Branch bodyguard who finds himself protecting a Home Secretary (played by Keeley Hawes) whose polices he despises. Just as the first episode ends Channel 5 will be showing The Bodyguard the 1992 film starring Kevin Costner as an ex US Secret Service agent protecting a Pop star played by that real life one Whitney Houston. Houston's cover of the Dolly Parton song I Will Always Love You topped the charts around the world.

Book Review: Spymaster by Brad Thor

After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 many people felt that the clock and dagger genre however It turned out that other real life conflicts such as the War on Terror would replace the Cold War as the source for Stories. However with such real life events as the Salisbury Poisoning bringing relations between Russia and the West back to Cold War levels so have thriller writers have gone back to that source of conflict. One such writer is Brad Thor, all but 1 of Thor's novels have as their lead character Scot Harvath ex US Navy Seal turned Secret Service agent turned Black ops man. Spymaster sees Harvath and his team on the trail of a terrorist organisation committing attacks in NATO countries. Harvath sees it nothing more than a Russian plot to destabilise NATO and of course he is right. Thor keeps a brisk pace as along with Harvath's investigation we get scenes of the terrorist attacks, diplomatic wrangling and the Russian mastermind keeping check on his operations. There an number of gunfights that keep the plot ticking along. Anyone who found Jack Bauer's interrogation techniques somewhat troubling then they are nothing compared to Harvath's. Anyone in the mood for a good old fashoned spy thriller can do no wrong with Spymaster.

A star for Carrie?

A campaign has started for the late Carrie Fisher to be given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One of the most famous and iconic landmarks of Los Angles has the biggest names in Showbiz immortalised with a star bearing their name on the streets of the city. 2 of the stars involved with the campaign are Fisher's Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill and William Shatner. Other big names who do not have stars include Robert de Niro, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Prince. It will take at least 5 years for a decision to be made.

No blood for the Mouse

An new report suggests that as a result of the Disney takeover of 20th Century Fox any adult targeted films from the latter studio will not enter production. This is because Disney is keen to maintain it's family friendly reputation, another example of this was the firing of James Gunn as Director of the third Guardians of the Galaxy film. What this means for such adult fare as the Die Hard, Alien and Predator series of films is hard to say. This represents a bit of a change for Disney has through many subsidiaries like Touchstone, Miramax and Dimeson released such films as Pulp Fiction, The English Patient, Con Air and From Dusk Till Dawn. Many cinephilies are following this with interest.

Where no Chris wants to go

Problems have struck the fourth of the rebooted Star Trek film seres. Not only Chris Pine who plays the iconic role of James T Kirk is in a pay dispute with producers but Chris Hemsworth who played his farther in the first film and has been lined up to reprise the role for the new entry is locked in one as well. Pine and Hemsworth have both found success in comic book films. Hemsworth became a house hold name as Thor in six MCU films with a seventh on the way while Pine played Steve Trevor the love interest to the titular character of Wonder Woman a role that he will reprise in next year's follow up. Hemsworth's presence in the next is a response to the disappointing preformace of 2016's Star Trek Beyond which some blamed on an advertising campaign which gave away a plot twist. Whether Messrs Pine and Hemsworth get their demands met remains to be seen.

The return of Nuclear Man

This week saw the debut of one of the most ridiculed villains in Super Hero movies. Nuclear Man was the creation of Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor in the much derided Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. The film that saw the Man of Steel bring an end to the arms race only for his old enemy to create an new foe. The film was crictised for it's cheap special and inchompisarble plot. The latter being the result of major edits to the film. One of these was concerning Luthor's first attempt at creation only for it to produce a rather dumb brute who was played by Clive Mantle best known for his role as Little John in Robin of Sherwood and in appearing in other TV shows like Casualty, Game of Thrones and Sherlock. Cinema goers got the second successful attempt as played by in his only acting Mark Pillow an ex Chippandale dancer and Hackman providing the voice of Nuclear Man. Superman defeats Nuclear Man by dumping him in an nuclear reactor. And for the last 31 years the character has been an embarrassment in the Superman canon. That was until current comic writer Brian Michael Bendis accepted a challenge to put the character in the pages of his current run and Bendis accepted. Nuclear Man is found to be in the Phantom Zone the prison where Krypton put it's criminal element.  Current Superman foe Rogol Zaar find Nuclear Man and the pair then have a fight to the death with Zaar emerging the winner. This time Nuclear Man has more bierf but more respectable appearance

No more Ant this year

New has emerged that Anthony 'Ant' McPartlin will not be assuming his usual co-presenting duties on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! this year leaving his entertainment partner Declan 'Dec' Donnally on solo presenting duties. This follows on the news that the pair's entertainment show Saturday Night Takeaway will not have a series this year. This news comes on the heels of the much publicised problems of McPartlin. No news as of yet about McPartlin working on the next series of Britain's Got Talent.

And the award for the most popular...

The Academy of Motion Pictures have announced that the Oscars will have an new category. There soon be an award for Achievement in Popular Film. This could be considered a response to ever dwindling public interest in the awards since in recent years they have come to be dominated by somewhat niche films like Moonlight and The Shape of Water. When this new award will be introduce has yet to be confirmed.

When favourites blow it

Kevin Mayer the current World Decathlon champion made a bit of a blunder at the European Athletics Championships currently being held in Berlin. In the Long Jump failed to record a successful attempt in 3 tries in the event. The result being Mayer was left with no points and his chances winning the title gone.

Character comebacks

Following on the news that Patrick Stewart is returning to his signature role of Jean Luc Picard here are some more examples of other actors doing the same


Perry Mason

Raymond Burr paid the razor sharp Defence Attorney who would always provide a surprise to the trial that would earn his client a reprieve for 9 seasons between 1957 and 1966. 19 years later Burr world start playing the character in a series of TV movies until his death in 1993

Columbo

Peter Falk had a 11 year gap between 1978 and 1989 before returning to the crumpled 'tec forever pitting wits with arrogant murderers. The last episode was 2003's Columbo Likes the Nightlife which saw the character go into the Rave scene on a case.

Kojak

Between 1973 and 1978 Telly Salavas the loipop sucking cop with the immortal catch phase 'Who Loves you Baby?'. Salavas returned to the role for an number of specials between 1985 and 1990.  In 2005 there was a short liver revival starring Ving Rhames in the title role.

To boldly return

It has been announced that Patrick Stewart will be returning to the role of Starfleet Captain Jean Luc Picard in an new series for the streaming service CBS All Access. The last time Stewart played the role that made him a household name was in the film Star Trek: Nemesis. The film had disappointing box office returns in part to it being released in a crowded market place with Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Harry Potter and the Chamber and Die Another Day holding regin. Star Trek: Nemesis is notable for 2 things, giving Tom Hardy his first big and due to it's failure we had the 2009 reboot which saw Kirk, Spock et al played by new actors. We await more news of Picard's return.

Jacob and the van driver

The Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has become a bit of a cult figure thanks to his pro Brexit views. During the campaign of the 2016 refendrum JRM would dismiss any projected of any exit from the EU as simple scaremongering. However during a recent radio phone in JRM met his match in the form of a van driver the van driver talked about the difficulties of going from an EU country to an non EU one citing France into Switzerland for an example. The usually assured JRM just blustered his way through the call.

You see see the exchange on Youtube

Not going for international sales then?

About to start it's tenth season in the US is NCIS: Los Angles. Starring Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J the spin off of NCIS about a special unit based in Los Angles that investigates crimes that are (in some case tenuously) linked to the US Navy.  The episodes see the team go against bad guys of various nationalities such as Russian, North Korean, Pakistani, Sundanese and Venezuelan to name just a few. Based on that international sales are not likely to be high.

Timeless shall have an end

SF show Timeless which over the 2 years it has been on TV has built a loyal audience has been given a 2 part finale to tie up loose ends.This is the second time the show has come back from TV heaven after it was cancelled after it's first season. The show about a group of time traveller and their efforts to stop a conspiracy called Rittenhouse changing historic (the birth of the blues, American Civil War battles etc) events to further their agenda. The decision comes after fans hired a plane to fly a banner asking for the show's revival and it worked.

Bernard Hepton (1925-2018)

The death has been announced of the actor Bernard Hepton. Throughout his career notched up an impressive number of credits.  Appearing in the highly acclaimed custome dramas Elizabeth R and I. Claudius. Going from playing a German prison camp commandant in Colditiz to a Belgian cafe owner involved in the resistance in Secert Army. Guest appearance in the 2 John Nettles Cop shows Bergerac and Midsomer Murders. Film roles included Barry Lyndon, Ghadi and Get Carter. Perhaps the interesting TV role was that of Hungarian born spy Toby Esterhase in the John le Care adaptations Tinker, Tailor, Soldier. Spy and Smiley's People, in the former the character affected an English accent yet in the sequel Toby had gone back to his native accent. Bernard Hepton leaves behind a list of credits in some major productions.

Bernard Hepton R. I. P.

My wife comes from...

UK Forgien Secretory Jeremy Hunt made perhaps the greatest faux pax a person could make. At a funciton in China Hunt said his wife was Japanese before realising she Chinese and corrected himself. Hunt first met his wife in 2008.

TV ratings 29-07-2018

WOS Wreslesting the first mainstream TV outing for British professional wrestling since the days of World of Sport (hence the WOS) was watched by just under a million viewers.  ITV were hoping for a combo of those raised on the likes of Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks et al and those who watch the American WWE but given the figures. It remains to be seen if the series completes it's run.

The legacy of a failed compass

With production on the TV version of Philip Pullman's His Dark Material book series it is worth remembering the last attempt it to the screen. In 2007 the film of The Golden Compass was released to a somewhat less than desirable reception. Religious organisation attacked the film because the book's attack on the Roman Catholic church while secularist ones complained the film's theme had been watered down to appease certain quarters. At the box office the film tanked in the US yet in the rest of the world was a hit this led to Warner Bros to take full distribution of New Line Picture who had outside North America sold the film outside distributors. Despite winning an Oscar for Visual Effects His Dark Materials as a blockbuster film series was dead on arrival whether the forthcoming TV series avoids remains to be seen.

Off the flix

News has come out that ITV will no longer be selling their programmes to Netflix. One suggestion is that ITV will be joining forces with the BBC and Channel 4 their own joint digital platform. This has been rumoured for some time and this could be the most defintive sign of this coming to pass.

Beanz don't mean shake

Heniz have been rapped by the Advertising Standards Agency over an advert that compared their famous to protein shakes. The advert suggested the beans had just as much fibre as that of the standard protein shake. However after an number of complaints the beans were found to have less nurtional value than shakes. The offending will no longer be shown.

Countryfile at 30

30 years ago on this date the first edition of a programme that started off as a lunch time fare but world over time would a prime time hit. Countryfile replaced a programme called Farming which as the title suggests focused solely on that subject. Dealing with a much wider brief than it's predecessors such as animal and plant preservation, countryside leisure activates and continuing it's predecessor's agenda farming. Launched at a time when concerns about the environment were becoming more mainstream and 21 years later it was given a prime early evening Sunday slot. Countryfile hit the headlines for the wrong reasons when one time reporter Miriam O'Rielly sued the BBC after being axed from the programme on what she claimed was her age, she would win her case. Nearly a year later after Countryfile started John Craven stared presenting the show. best known for his work on kids TV shows Saturday Swapshow and Newsround Craven has been the one constant in the programmes rise in profile. We will probably never see something like what Countryfile has achieved going from niche afternoon viewing to mass appeal viewing.

He who talks to Fish

Yesterday at San Diego Comic-Con the trailer for the much awaited Aquaman was revealed. The character who was regarded as bit of a joke character for an number of years received bit of a creative make over by an number of writers beginning with Peter David in the 1990s. And now after his appearances in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League will be appearing in his first solo film played again by Jason Moama who became famous for playing such Alpha Males as Khal Drago in Game of Throne and Conan the Barbian. The trailer has already been viewed over 10 million times on Youtube. The film is out this December.

Gunn is fired

James Gunn who shot to fame directing the first 2 Guardians of the Galaxy films has been fired from directing the third entry. The reason being is the emergence of an number of old tweets which make jokes of sensitive subjects including rape. No replacement director has been announced yet with production of the film due to start next year.

007 fights an new Cold War

Possible details about the (as yet to titled) 25th Bond film may have emerged thanks to a leaked casting sheet. If the casting sheet is true James Bond will be taking on a Russian bad guy. This could be considered a reaction to recent real life events. The only film in the series that 007 taking on Russians operating on official government sanction was 1981's For Your Eyes Only. Other that 007 took on rogues with agendas (Octopussy and The Living Daylights being 2 examples) of their own. We shall see when the film is released next year.

San Diego Comic-Con 2018: what's on and what is not

Today sees the start of the annual San Diego Comic-Con. For the next 4 days comic book publishers like DC, Marvel etc will be announcing new projects for the year, Fans will get the chance to meet their favourite artists and writers. The comic book version of the Oscars the Eisners will be announced. However the event has become more famous for film studios and TV companies bringing along the stars of various films and TV shows to meet the fans. However there will be some notable absentees this year. Here who is coming and who is not.

WILL BE THERE

Doctor Who

The BBC will bringing Jodie Whittiker to her first public event. Some actual show footage may be shown rather than the promos. Expect any Q&A session to be heavaily screened

Warner Bros Films

The studio will be bringing 2 films that will appeal to the comic fans, Aquaman and Shazam! The former is the first solo outing for Jason Moama as the water borne hero. Moma's co-stars include Amber Herd, Willem Dafoe, Nicole Kidman and Dolph Lungren. Shazam! tells the story of a boy who when he says the word shazam is turned into the heroic Captain Marvel. Zachary Levi plays the heroic Captain Marvel while Mark Strong is villiam Dr Sivana. Warner Bros will be glad their rival in the superhero absent.


WILL NO BE THERE

Marvel Studios

Despite having 2 very high profile films coming out Marvel are sitting this years event out. Captain Marvel (nothing to do with Shazam) is Marvel's Female led film with Oscar winner Brie Larson playing the title character. And then there is fourth (as yet to be titled) Avengers film.

Lucasfilm

The another high profile Disney absentee is the makers of the Star Wars films. Fan reaction to The Last Jedi was so adverse some have suggested spin off Solo disappointing (for Star Wars) box office take was a result of it.

Game of Thornes

One of the most popular TV shows of the last will not be at the event to mark it's Eighth and final season. Fans will have to wait for the first promos to get their first look

Cliff: the verdict

Sir Cliff Richard has been awarded £210,000 in his libel suit against the BBC over it's reporting over his arrest over an allegation of historical sexual abuse. The singer was never charged. The BBC has said it will appeal the level of the award.

TV Ratings 16-7-2018

The first edition of Coronation Street was seen by 6.61m viewers at 7:30pm. However the second edition at 9:30pm mustered a viewership of 4.81m viewers a drop of 1.80; Most of the blame must go to The Voice Kids which despite having a Corrie could only draw 3.34m viewers. The Voice Kids continues until Saturday.

What the Beeb has in store

Last night the BBC showed a promo of some of the various TV drama productions that will be reaching the screens


ABC Murders - John Malkovich becomes the latest actor to play to Herclue Poirot. The Belgian sleuth finds himself on the trail of a taunting serial killer

Doctor Who - Without a doubt the most talked about casting in British TV in the last decade, Jodie Wittaker becomes the first Female Doctor

Killing Eve - Sandra Oh gained an Emmy nomination for her role as a MI5 agent on the trail of a Female assassin played by Jodie Cromer

Little Drummer Girl- based on the John le Care novel. An English actress finds herself embroiled in a Mossad operation. Florence Pugh plays the role le Care based on his own half Sister

War of the World - H G Wells classic tale of an Alien invasion comes to British TV for the first time. Rafe Spall and Eleanor Tomlinson head the cast.

Worst result for a sponsor

Today France plays Croatia in the World Cup final and for one the tournament big name Sponsors it will be a nightmare. Adidas the sports wear sponsor will have to see the final being contested by 2 teams whose kit is not by them since Brazil beat Italy in 1994. Down below is how the finals between then and now have turned out.

1998 France (kit by Adidas) beat Brazil (kit by Nike)
2002 Brazil (kit by Nike) beat Germany (kit by Adidas)
2006 Italy (kit by Puma) beat France (kit by Adidas)
2010 Spain (kit by Adidas) beat Netherlands (kit by Nike)
2014 Germany (kit by Adidas) beat Aregetina (kit by Adidas)

Both France and Croatia will wearing kit by Nike in the final. France in beating Belgium in the semi finals ended Adidas hopes of seeing a team wearing their kit in the final. we shall see who takes home the greatest prize in Football by the early evening.

Resurrection of the original Alien 3

This November sees the publication of an unique comic series, William Gibson's Alien 3 will see what Gibson whose reputation as one of the pioneers of the Science Fiction sub genre Cyber Punk had intended for the third film in the film series that featured the chest busters. However the script was passed over thereby leading to one of the most infamous productions in the last 3 decades of Hollywood history. Vincent Ward a director of somewhat avant grade films landed the job of Director/Writer. Ward had came up with the idea of setting the film on a wooden planet populated by monks. Just as sets for the film were being built Ward was fired and his script was heavily rewritten with the monks being replaced by convict. Replacing Ward as director was David Fincher whose prior work was made up of Pop Promos and TV Commercial. The finished film was released to a muted response in 1992 and Fincher (who has gone on to make such films as Se7en, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl) rarely talks about Alien 3. The forthcoming offers a chance of what could have been.

TV ratings 11-07-2018

England's defeat to Croatia in the World Cup semi final was watched by over 26 million viewers. This is the largest rating since the 2012 London Olympics closing cermonary. It may be the case that the third place play off may have a highest audience than the actual final.

what beckons us tonight

England play Croatia to decide who will play France in the World Cup final tonight. Here are some things to look out for in the press depending on the result


If England lose narrowly the team will be called gutsy and courageous losers

If the referee tonight makes a contervisonal decision expect him to be made an enemy of the English people

In the even of a plenty shoot out and an English player makes a horrendous miss expect him to labelled a villain.

And in the event of an English victory the press will act as the team have only 1 hand on the trophy.

The return of an intergalactic scoundrel

In news that will make Star Wars fans happy it has been announced that Billy Dee Williams will be appearing in Star Wars: Episode IX as the rogue Lando Calrissian. After the diviese The Last Jedi which saw critical acclaim but fan backlash over the film's treatment of certain beloved characters of the series. Williams appearance will mean a classic character will appear in the final film of the new trilogy which is due out in 2019. This comes after Donald Glover played an younger Lando in Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Bye bye Boris

The day started with the news that David David had resigned as Secerty for Exiting the European Union but this was trumped (no pun intended) by the news that Forgien Sectary Boris Johnson had also quit his job over the direction of Brexit. They will be those who will shend no tears for Johnson, one such person is James O'Brien the one time show biz reporter turned Radio phone in show host. O'Brien has been very forthright in crictising Johnson. One example is O'Brien taking Johnson's view that Winston Churchill's opposition was a case of political opportunism rather than principle.

You can see O'Brien view on Johnson on Youtube.

TV ratings 07-07-2018

With no surprise England's win over Sweden in the World Cup quarter finals was the big ratings winner yesterday. Nearly 20 million viewers saw the match. expect an even bigger figure for Wednesday's semi final against Croatia.

Clash of the critics

In a video just recently uploaded to Youtube film critics Mark Kermode and Robbie Collin discuss the merits or otherwise of current release Hereditary. Kermode has a problem with the film being equated with The Exorcist (which he has on many occasions has called the greatest film ever with the worst being Exorcist 2: The Heretic) which he fells the current release does not justify. While Collin argues otherwise. Along the way other famous movie chillers are mentioned including Psycho, Rosemary's Baby and Get Out to name just 3.

PLEASE BE AWARE BEFORE WATCHING THE VIDEO THERE ARE SPOILERS!!!!

Awful quiz show answer of the 05-07-2018

On today's The Chase a contestant was asked in which modern day country was the Arch Duck Ferdinand assassinated in. Serbia was the given answer. The answer of course is Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The dark side of fandom

Ahmed Best best known for providing the voice and movement capture for the character of Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequels has revealed that he considered suicide because of the adverse fan reaction to the character. What was supposed to be a comedy relief lead to charges of racism with Binks being called out for a stereotypical. Apart from one crucial moment in the second prequel Attack of the Clones the character was pretty much side lined from the next films. Given the recent debate about fan opinion being vitriolic perhaps that the people on the are human beings.

A leak at the Doctor's

The BBC is suing an American website showing footage from an upcoming episode of Doctor Who. The footage is understood without finished effect or a proper music score. The BBC are thought to be showcasing the forthcoming new season (which introduces the first female Doctor in the form of actress Jodie Whittaker) at this year's San Diego Comic Con. This is not the first time the show has been the victim of an early leakage of footage. Famed comic book writer Warren Ellis wrote a review of Rose the first episode of the revival nearly a week before it was shown. If Doctor Who footage is shown at Comic Con the footage may not appear online as the various media companies who will be showing off their wares at event can be very strict about such footage suddenly appearing on the net via shaky mobile phone camera work. The wait for new Who footage may be longer than some may wish.

Mind your English!

Today sees the start of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships. And throughout the morning host Sue Barker was joined by an number of Tennis legends, among them Boris Becker who has been in the news of tax troubles. Barker asked Becker about this matter which he did and along the way he used b******. Barker reminded Becker that it was bit too early in the day to be using such langue and he did apologise for using the word/

The hosts are through

After a dramatic plenty shootout Russia are through to the quarter finals of this year's World Cup beating Spain. Yesterday saw 2 more Football powerhouses go out, Argentina lost 4-3 to France while Portugal was beaten 2-1 by Uruguay. This is shaping up to be the most open World Cup in years.

Political commentary with Danny Dyer

Last night ITV broadcast an one off Evening version of Good Morning Britain (imaginatively called Good Evening Britain) with an number of guests. One of them was the Actor Danny Dyer who made his name in an number of low budget British films such as The Business, Severance and Vendetta before playing the role of Mick Carter in Eastenders. However when Dyer started to talk about politics things got a bit heated. Dyer twice called former UK Prime Minister David Cameron a tw** over his role in Brexit. What made the outburst all the more extraordinary was that one of the other guests was none other than Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn who looked rather uncomfortable during this. Dyer's rant has gone viral with US comic Lena Durham flagging it up. Could Danny be the new host of Question Time?

What to expect from a heat wave in the media

The UK is basking in a heatwave so expect the follow cliches


Pictures of pretty young Ladies in bikinis

Newspapers use the excuse of printing photographs of sun bathing girls in bikinis under the excuse of news value.

Pictures of people eating Ice Cream

Well we all do it

Pictures of kids playing in the water

There are so few opportunity's to do so.

The World is shocked

In one of the biggest upsets the World Cup has ever known defending champions Germany have crashed out of the competion. The Germans lost to South Korea 2-0 with Sweden and Mexico progressing instead of them. The Cup has opened up.

How old are you Mum?

Harry Hill the comic whose list of TV shows including TV Burp have featured such surreal flights of fancy as Eric Clapton performing the Casualty theme is making a Sit Com pilot for BBC1 which at this stage is simply known as The Harry Hill Sit Com. Playing his on screen will be Jennifer Saunders who in real life is only 6 years older than Hill. Hopefully the show will get a series order and we will get more of Harry's trade mark wackiness.

TV ratings 24-06-2018

England's dominant 6-1 World Cup win was watched by over 14 million viewers on BBC1 despite being shown during a very sunny afternoon. ITV will be glad that England's final group game against Belgium on Thursday that will decide who tops the group.

DVD commentary to listen to: Part 3

On early seasons of Game of Thornes George RR Martin on whose A Song of Fire and Ice novels the show is based would write an episode. For the Second season he wrote Blackwater which was the most spectacular the show had seen up to that point. Most time of the time Martin talks the about the differences between the TV show and his novels. Though there are some things that stand out, Martin thinks that Jerome Flynn who plays the role of Sellsword Bronn had just been a singer who turned to acting which as most people in the UK knows is wrong as Flynn shot to fame in the TV Drama Soldier Soldier which had a scene with Flynn and co-star Robson Green's characters singing at a wedding reception which started off their singing careers in real life. We also get hear about Martin's bug bear of Battle scenes which featured combatants who do not wear helmets. Martin relates on how he witnessed on a previous production he worked on a stunt man's nose accidentally cut off when he was not wearing a helmet. And throughout the episode Martin comments on when characters suffer fatal head injuries or just wounds to the head that they should have worn a helmet. A must for fans of the biggest show in the world today

Bad reaction

Following Argentina's defeat to Croatia in last night's World Cup match group match the TV presentation team for Argentine TV held a minute's silence. Argentina face an early exit from the comeption if they do not win their last group match against Nigeria.

TV ratings 20-06-2018

Just like yesterday BBC1's World Cup coverage beat ITV's of Royal Ascot by a wide margin. One stirking figure is that the percentage mark for those watching the Horse Racing was under 10. Not a very good mark for the extensive coverage.

TV ratings 19-06-2018

BBC1's coverage of the World Cup group game between Japan and Colombia was watched by 2 and a half million viewers  while under a million watched ITV's coverage of the Royal Ascot Horse Racing meet. It is clear which sport viewers prefer.

Sting goes to Hell!

To mark the 30th anniversary of the start of  the long running Hellblazer Comic Book DC Comics are publishing a collection of the first few issues of the series. The volume will feature an introduction by Sting. The reason for this is that the Rock legend was used as the physical basis for the character John Constantine in the influtienial Swamp Thing run of the mid 1980s. The character would prove to so popular that he was given his own title Hellblazer. The comic would be the basis of both a film starring Keanu Reeves and a short lived TV series. The collection will out this October.

No more Questions for David

It has been announced that after 24 years David Dimbleby is stepping down from the role as host of Question Time the programme that has members of the public quizzing politicians and other notable figures about the issues of the day. Dimbleby became the third host after Robin Day and Peter Sissons in 1994. No word as yet on who will be replacing but it is thought that BBC bosses are looking for a Female presenter.

TV ratings 16-06-2018

All Round to Mrs Brown's proving not to be as popular as the Sit-Com it spun off from. The latest edition of the quasi chat show was watched by 2.94 million viewers. Mrs Brown's Boys has at it's peak been watched at least 11 million viewers.

Leslie Grantham (1947-2018)

The death has been announced of Leslie Grantham forever known as Dennis 'Dirty Den' Watts in Eastender. After he shot to fame in Eastenders it emerged that Grantham had served for killing a West German taxi driver when he was stationed as a soldier in the country. It was in prison when he met the actress Louise (best known for her roles in Doctor Who, Bergerac and Tenko) Jameson who encouraged him to take up acting. One of his early roles was in Doctor Who as a mercenary working for the Daleks who is brainwashed  by their creator Davros. In 1985 came his signature role.  Viewers were both appalled and entranced by his misdeeds such as serving his wife Angie (played by Anita Dobson) divorce papers on Christmas Day night and getting his daughter's best friend pregnant to name 2 of his misdeeds. Den's sins caught up with him when it looked that he had been gunned down by a canal. After his Eastenders exit Grantham had 2 star vehicles in the shape of The Paradise Club and 99-1 though neither had the impact of the role that made him famous. In 2003 Den made a sensational return but after Grantham got caught up in an Internet Sex Scandal the character was killed off. Grantham worked infrequently in his last few years and had moved to Bulgaria but his illness made him return to the UK.

Leslie Grantham R. I. P.