Are ypu worth it Mrs Brown?

 The BBC has announced that there will be a Mrs Brown Boys Xmas special until 2026. Despite this year's posting the lowest ever ratings. When it started Mrs Brown Boys got scathing reviews but became a huge hit. However Brendan O'Carroll who created and plays the foul mouthed Irish granny saw his non Brown show For Facts Sake bomb. A sign of things to come?

Mishap time

 A rare TV highlight this week was The Goes Wrong Show take on the Nativity. From the Angel Gabreil crashing to the stage, King Herod sat on a forever spinning throne and a larger than usual count of wise men, this was welcome respite from the gloom we have had to go through these times.

Jeremy Bulloch (1945-2020)

 The death has been announced of Jeremy Bulloch. The actor was best known as Hobbs Fett in the original Star Wars. Jeremy also appeared in 3 James Bond films. His TV work included Doctor Who and a regular role on Robin of Sherwood.

Jeremy Bulloch RIP

A master is gone

 The death has been announced of John le Carre. Born David Cornwell he was a real life agent his cover was born. He then became a master of spy fiction.. An number of his novels were made including Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, first for TV in 1979 and then for cinema in 2011, A master of his field has gone.

Anthony vs Tyson?

 With his victory over Kurbert Puleav last night Anthony Joshua has paved the way for a long awaited showdown with Tyson Fury. If the fight goes ahead is another matter.

Barbra Windsor (1937 - 2020)

 The death has been announced of Barbra Windsor. A household name for nearly 60 years for mainly for Film and TV.. Barbra got into acting when she joined the Joan Littlewood company. Her big break out came with the Carry On films. In 1994 she started playing the role of Peggy Mitchell in Eastenders, mother of Phil and Grant and probably the only person who could the hard men in line.

Barbra Windsor RIP

No chance of winning

 OFCOM the broadcasting monitor has found that ITV broken rules about on screen competions. It was found that postal entries stood no chance of winning. This is no the first time ITTV has fallen foul in such a way. In 2007 phone in quizzes were rigged. this even led to the demise of morning programme GMTV. No action has yet been taken,

A generation od sporting voices

 The death  of Peter Allis the voice of golf for many serves as reminder of a generation of sports commenters who were just as famous as the sports people they commented on. The likes of David Colman, Dan Maskell and Bill McLaren became linked to the sports they commented on. Nowadays the most famous commenters are ones famous for their own sporting careers like Steve Cram and Steve Davis.

Double whammy

 In an earth shaking statement Warner Media has announced that all Warner Bros movies in 2021 will be released in the US will be on the HBO Max streaming service at the same time. For the rest of the world they will be cinemas first. Films that are concerned include the fourth Matrix film and the new version of Dune. This follows hot on the heels of the same thing being done with Wonder Woman 1984.

Get me off the list!

 No sooner had the short list for this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year had been unveiled then one of the nominees demanded that their name be taken off it. Boxer Tyson Fury said the adulation of his fans was enough. But the BBC have refused to do so Tyson's name is still on it. What happens if Tyson is declared the winner is anyone's guess.

Who will be the personality?

 Despite the pandemic hitting the sporting (no Olympics) calendar this year the BBC have announced a short list for it's annual Sports Personality of the Year. it has 3 current world champion, Tyson (heavyweight boxing) Fury, Lewis (F1) and Ronnie (snooker) O'Sullivan. Making up the rest of the short list  are cricket Stuart Board, jockey Hollie Doyle and footballer Jordan Henderson. The winne will be announced later this month.

Best of The Avengers - Emma Peel era

 the 10 best episodes to feature one of the most iconic TV characters, Diana Rigg's Emma Peel. Who every week wit Patrick MacNee's John Steed would foil plans of a devious nature.

1. The Living Dead

When the supposed dead victims of a mine accident are seen alive Steed and Emma investigate. What they find is a threat to the nation.

2. Silent Dust

When large numbers of birds are dying Steed and Emma go to the countryside. And they discover a plan of a dangerous ransom.

3. The Master Minds

Steed and Emma look into the breaking in of an number of high security locations. The trail leads to a club for those with a high IQ. Has a highly inventive fight that plays out in silhouette.

4. The Correct Way To Kill

Enemy agents are being killed and Steed and Emma end up working with the other side. Colour remake of the earlier Cathy (Honor Blackman) Gale episode The Charmers.

5. Town of No Return

Steed and Emma look into strange goings on at a seaside village. Featuring Patrick Newell who would go on to play Mother in the series and Robert Brown who would be M in 4 James Bond films.

6. The Superlative Seven

Another colour remake of a Cathy Gale (Dressed to Kill) sees Steed standard with a group of strangers. Guest starring Charlotte Rampling, Donald Sutherland and Brian Blessed.

7.The Girl From Auntie

Emma has vanished, so Steed teams up with the actress impersonating her. They end up at a knitting school.

8. The £50,00 Breakfast

Steed and Emma try to find the connection between a reclusive tycoon and a case of diamond smuggling. One of the baddies has a unique motive.

9. The Gravediggers

Vital radar stations are being jammed. Steed and Emma's inquiries take them to a hospital for railway men. With a early role regular movie bad guy Steven Berkoff.

10. The Murder Market

A series of unconnected murders are connected to an agency that sets up couples for marriage. Steed finds he has to kill Emma to get any further on the case.

The vicar returns

 The BBC has announced it's Xmas line up. In what has become a tradition an old sit com is making a return . Last year it was Gavin and Stacey this year it is The Vicar of Dibley. Starring Dawn French and written by Richard Curtis. In 2004 it was voted the third greatest British sit com ever beaten by Only Fools and Horses and another Curtis creation  Blackadder. The return will take the form of 3 ten minute episodes.

Captain Jack is back

 A promo has been released for the New Year Doctor Who special. It gives a glimpse of the return of John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness. Apart from a cameo in the last series of Who this year the character was last seen in the series of Torchwood in 2011. Some tittle-tattle suggests that a spat between Barrowman and one time show Steven Moffat lead to the character being off our screens for so long. This is ironic given that Moafft wrote the character's debut adventure.

No screens

 The news that the new Wonder Woman is going to make it's debut on stressing has raised a lot of eyebrows. And there is talk of Disney putting an number of their films into streaming. Is there a future for the big screen?

TV ratings 15-11-2020

 The start of this year's I'm a celebrity get me out of here was seen by over 12 million viewers. Meanwhile on BBC1 the first episode of Small Axe was seen by just.1 million viewers and it has 4 weeks to run.

Des being the butt

 The death of Des O'Connor brings how many times he was the butt of jokes on many TV shows. Here are 2 examples.

The Good Life

Tom and Barbra are trying to get some sleep so that they do some work. But they are awoken by the music from a party their neighbours Gerry and Margo. The music is of course by Des.

Morcombe and Wise

Ernie gives Eric a present of a record by Des. The pair then start making jokes at his expense unaware he is walking up behind them. When they do find out they play nice with Des.

Steve's uphill task

 Starting tonight on BBC 1 is Small Axe, a tale of a London community. It is directed and co-written by Steve McQueen the Oscar winning director of 12 Years a Slave. It however faces a ca task to gain viewers. The first episode is going out against the opening night of this years I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!. Due to Covid this year's version is taking place in Wales. Among those taking part are multi Olympic gold medal winner Mo Farah and TV Vernon Kaye. Small Axe is facing hefty odds to make an impact.

Mr B is back

 The last few years on BBC 1 Saturday nights have been host to countless repeats of Mrs Brown's Boys. However tonight that will change with the start of repeat of Blackadder II. After the first series got a lukewarm reception it looked like that the show would not carry on. But BBC 1 chief Michael Grade was talked into making a second series with changes being made. The first being Ben Elton joining Richard Curtis as co-writer and the second being the expensive location filming of the first series cut down to a lower level.  Joining Rowan Atkinson in the title role  and Tony Robinson was Miranda Richardson as Queen Elizabeth (also known as Queenie) I who was forever threating to have people beheaded. Featuring such guest stars as Rik Mayall, Tom Baker and playing 2 different characters Hugh Laurie. The second series was a big hit and made Blackadder a British sit com legend. And tonight for those haven't discovered the reason why they can find out.

Shorted need

 Tonight sees the annual Children in Need charity tele cast o BBC 1. However this year owing to the pandemic it has undergone a change, Normally running 7 and a half hours this year's event will run 3 hours. How this will affect the event's usual donations remains to be seen.

Are you tenable?

 On the most recent edition of Tenable a contestant was asked to name the ten most popular quiz shows on British TV. The contest offered Tenable as answer itself. Happy for them Tenable is ranked at Ten.

Depp wizard no more

 The fall out of Johnny Depp's failed libel suit continues. Warner Brothers have said that Depp will not  reprise his role in the next Fantistic Beasts film. The role will instead be recast.

Gefforey Palmer (1927-2020)

 The death has been announced of Geoffrey Palmer. With his distinctive voice Palmer was a long standing of British TV with roles in the likes of The Avengers, Doctor Who  and Fawlty Towers. He shot to greater game with Butterflies and enjoyed another sit com not with As  Time Goes By with Judi Dench. His film work included A Fish Called Wanda and Tomorrow Never Dies.

R I P.Geoffrey Palmer

Missing bird

 ITV have announced that there will be a Xmas special of Birds of a Feather however it will be without one of it's stars. Pauline Quirke who has played Sharon since the show started in 1989 is busy pursing outside interests. Will viewers accept this?

John Sessions (1953-2020)

 The death has been announced of John Sessions. John's talents could be seen in a wide range of productions. From comedy shows.like Stella Street to Whose Line Is It Anyway? to dramas like Sherlock and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. His film work included 1989's Henry V and The Bounty from 1984.

R I P John Sessions

Johnny not so good?

 Johnny Depp has lost his libel suit against The Sun newspaper over claims he hit his ex wife Amber Herd. However Depp is appealing the judgement.

Goodbye Bobby

 The death has been announced of Bobby Ball. With Tommy Cannon he forme. Bobby had ad a popular comedy double act. Bobby had a regular role in Not Going Out. He has appeared in Last of the Summer Wine and Benidorm.

Bobby Ball RIP 

Frank's off time

 The death of Frank Brough shows how years of an acclaimed media career can be over shadowed by off screen antics. For nearly 30 years Brough was a stalwart of the BBC even being the first face of breakfast television in the UK when he presented BBC Breakfast Time in 1983. However his career came to crashing halt when stories came out of his drug taking with call girls. A minor come back in the early 1990s was derailed by another scandal and ever afterwards the name of Frank Brough is known more for what he did off screen than what he did on screen.

Back in the morning game

 This Monday morning BBC 1 will start showing Morning Live. It is their first morning magazine programme since the 1990s. The first attempt at a morning show was Open Air which was hosted by among Eamon Holmes, it focused on TV and in one memorable moment featured featured future Doctor Who show runner Chris Chibnall venting fury at writers Pip and Jane Baker over their work on the show. A later effort was Good Morning with Anne and Nick which saw Anne Diamond and Nick Owen repeating their TV-AM partnership, for a time it beat the ITV daytime giant This Morning  in the ratings but it ended in 1996 and the BBC left morning magazine format alone until now weather viewers take to remains to be seen.

Adam Dalgeish returns

 After their success with the new of All Creatures Great and Small Channel 5 are to the TV last for their n next drama hit. It has been announced that they will be adapting the Adam Dalgeish novels of PD James. The character  was first played by Roy Marsden in the 1980/90s and then by Martin Shaw in the mid 2000s. Bertie Carval will  take on the role of the post detective.

TV ratings 18-10-2020

 Roadkill the new political drama starting High Laurie got off to a good start last night on BBC 1 last night. It was seen by 5.1 million viewers. Early on the night Top Gear was seen by over 4  million viewers.

Hugh and David's roadkill

 Starting t tonight on BBC 1 is Roadkill. Starring Hugh Laurie as a government minister who his past is catching up with him. It is written by David Hare the playwright whose work for the cinema has seen him nominated for 2 Oscars for The Hours and The Reader. Roadkill getting a BBC 1 is a rare event for Hare as you have to go to the early 1980s and the days of the much revered Play for Today single drama strand. Despite starring such big names as John Thaw, Christopher Walken ans John Simm Hare's TV output has been just been on BBC 2. Will Hugh's star power bring in the viewers, we just have to see.

Cube conqured

 Starting tonight is The Million pound cube with a celebrity edition. One person who won was multi Olympic gold medallist No Farah. Can anyone match hik?

Who wants to be pointless? update

 The cash jackpot on Pointless reached the sum of sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds. And it was won. Answering questions on Olympic history the winning team correctly identified Short Track Speed Skater Wilf O'Reilly as a British bearer at an Olympic opening ceremony. With their winnings the pair have put to shame contestants on another certain quiz to shame.

Who wants to be pintless?

 During the last run of Who Wants to be a Millionare? Jeremy Clarkson made some rather snide remarks about the prizes on offer on rival quiz Pointless. Currently the prize sum on Pointless i over fifteen thousand pounds which if won would be equally split between the winning pair at seven thousand and five hundred pounds. During the last run of WWTBAM? some contestants only won a thousand pounds. Who Is better off Jeremy?

Gearing up

 Top Gear will make it's debut on BBC1 tonight. The motoring programme a long term fixture of BBC 2 was seen by over 7 million viewers, those were the days when it was presented Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond  and James May. But those days came to a sudden after Clarkson, had  an altercation with a crew member after a day of filming saw the preseenting trio quit. A relaunch fronted by Chris Evans bombed in the ratings, Since then Top Gear return to healthy ratings. We shall how BBC 1 viewers take to Top Gear.

Classic spitting

 Just in time for it's launch of it's version Britbos who added the classic rum of Spitting Image. Featuring a street talking pope John Paul II and songs like I Never Met An Nice South African. The show defined scathing humour for a decade and one hopes the same now.

Lenny changes

 In another change to the vocal cast of The Simpsons the character of Kenny will be voiced by an African American actor. This is the second change to involve Hank Azaria after he quit the role of Apu.

Matt draws fire

 Matt Lucas impression of Boris Johnson has upset some people. OFCOM has received complaints.

Matt bakes Boris

 Last night saw the start of this year's Great British bake off. Matt Lucas made his debut as preeenter. He started by lampooning Prime David Boris Johnson and Matt got good reviews from critics.

Second wave coming?

 Much alarm was raised by statements on the current pandemic. We should know more when Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes a statement tonight.

Is Tom James?

 Reports are floating around that Tom Hardy is the new James Bond. With the new Bond film No Time to Die yet to come out this seems a bit fast but given the current pandemic situation this may be EON Productions getting a year start on the next film. Hardy worked with current Bond Daniel Craig on gangster film Layer Cake.

Alex asks questions

 It has been announced that Alex Scott the England ladies footballer is the new host of A Question of Sport. Her appointment is seen as a targeting of a more youthful audience.

No more Stumptown

 It has been announced that US crime drama Stumptown has been axed.  The lands has been blamed.

The vanity of Madge

 It has been reported that Madonna will direct and co-write a film.based on her life. Joining her to write the script is Diablo  Cody best known for writing teen pregnancy film Juno. Will the film be nothing more than a vanity project is anyone's guess.

TV ratings 13-09-2020

 Singapore Grip the latest period drama by ITV was seen by 2.2 million viewers. That contrasts with the 4.4 million viewers that saw the final episode of Strike: Lethal White on BBC 1.

Beware Format change

 A Question of Sport is about to undergo a format change, But there is long list of show that have ended soon afterwards. Here are 3 examples.

Telly Addicts

At first a TV trivia quiz contested between 2 teams of 4. It became a version of snakes and ladders, viewers did not take to it and Telly Addicts was axed

Top of the Pops#

After a botched revamp masterminded by Andi Peters it was moved to BBC2 to become a hybrid of current and classic hits. It barely lasted a year as it ended in 2006.

Film....

After Jonathan Ross left the BBC in some what a cloud. The long running film review show  underwent an number of changes that did not go down with viewers. The show ended a couple of years ago.

Sue leaves a question

 It has been announced that Sue Barker is leaving her role as host of A Question of Sport. She has done it since 1997. The show undergoing a major shake up with both team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tuffnell leaving as well. An new formal.coming into place but no further information on that.

A million is won

 The first million pound jackpot winner in 14 years has happened on Who Wants to be a millionaire?. Donald Fear won a million pounds by answering a question on pirates. The most impressive part of his win was that he only used only one of his four life lines.

When Cathy becomes Emma

 The deaths of both Honor Blackman and Diana Rigg highlights a curious fact about The Avengers the TV show that they both starred in. When Blackman starred in the show it was made in TV studios with low grade cameras in  black and white. The latter half Rigg's tenure on the show was made in colour. An number of Blackman's episode were remade in colour. One such example  being 1963's Dressed to Kill which was remade in 1967 as The Superlative Seven with notable guest stars Charlotte Rampling, Donald Sutherland and Brian Blessed. The only other known example of was the remakes of lost Dad's Army episodes.

Diana Rigg (1938-2020)

 Diana Rigg (1938 - 2020)

The death has been announced of Diana Rigg. With along and varied career in stage and screen. Diana played the major classical roles like Lady MacBeath. She came to public attention  with her role of Emma Peel in TV's The Avengers. Her most famous film role was as the tragic  Tracy in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. In 1990 Diana won a TV BAFTA for her role in Mother Love. Still busy in her later years Diana was nominated for a Tony for her role as Mrs Higgins in a production of My Fair Lady on Broadway. She appeared with her real life Daughter Rachel Stirling in an episode of Doctor Who and played a crucial role in Game of Thrones, Diana leaves behind a large and very memorable body of work.

RIP Diana Rigg

WWTBAM? September 2020 night1 1 report

 The first edition of this run saw 2 contestants take part. Thee first a 19 year old won 8 thousand pounds while the other won double that sum. The jackpot winner is still waiting.

Star Cops - a prophetic show?

 Just been added to the BritBox Is Star Cops. It would come to represent the BBC's last true (barring Doctor Who) attempt at science fiction. It ran for only 1 series in 1987. Set in 2047, it starred David Calder as Nathan Spring the head of an outer space police force that investigated such crimes as radio active waste smuggling. The show was created by Chris Boucher who had worked on Doctor Who in the 1970s while another Who writer who worked on Star Cops was Philip Martin.  The show was beset by so many production problems that one script was left unmade. What of the show itself? there are many interesting ideas on show with one in particular a computerised box that that Spring consults. A forerunner of Alexa?

A true Jack Reacher

 A true Jack Reacher

Amazon Prime has announced that Alan Ricthson has taken the title role in it's Jack Reacher series. A lot of fans of the Lee Child novels will be glad of Alan's casting as he is closer fit to how Child  describes his hero. The casting of Tom Cruise never sat well with fans of the character due to his being as as tall as the character.

Black Panther problems

Black Panther problems

The untimely passing of Back Panther star Chadwick Boseman has serious concerns for Disney. Pre production was about to start on the follow up to the mega hit the death of it's star has slowed down. Talk of recasting the role has been ruled distasteful to the family of Boseman. One idea that has been suggested that the mantle of Black Panther is handed over to another character. Whatever option is picked there will sadly be those not happy with the step taken.

TV ratings 01-09-2020

 The first episode of Channel 5 new version of All Creatures Great and Small was seen by 3.3 million viewers. The station will be hoping that the show will maintain this figure.

2nd chance on Five

 This Tudsd night on Channel 5 an New version of All Creatures Great and Small starts. About the experiences of vet James (real name Alf Wight) Herroitt. A BBC series ran from 1978 to 1990. This is not the first time that 5 have brought a show back. In 1999 it showed a pilot for an New version of science fiction thriller series Doomwatch. However a full series did not happen did to costs concerns. Ten he as an newphew later the channel put out an New version of Minder. Starting Shane Ritchie as an nephew of Arthur Daley, it ran for only 1 series. Five will be hoping this new take will be longer running.

Football back again

Liverpool play Arsenal in the community shield this weekend

 A load of Bats

Cinema goers will see no less than 2 different incarnations of Batman. Currently in production is The Batman. It stars Robert Pattinson in the title role. It also stars Zoe Kravtiz as Catwoman, Colin Farrell as The Penguin and Paul Dano as The Riddler. Due to be released in 2022 is The Flash starring Erza Miller. It's plot about alternate timelines will see 2 Batmen appear in it. Ben Affleck wiil play the role for the first time since Justice League while after 30 years Michael Keaton returns to the that when he was first cast. Bat fans have lots to look forward to. 

 Best of Only Fools and Horses

The show that has been titled Britain's favourite sit com. Charting the many attempts of David Jason's Del ,Boy' Trotter to get rich with his brother Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) watching on. These the 10 best episodes.

1. Tea for Three

Trigger's (Roger Lloyd Pack) niece comes to Peckham unknowingly stirring strong emotions between Del and Rodney. Tit for Tat then follows with Del making an unwanted journey. The episode has a remarkable monolog about what happened on it

2. Chain Gang

A consignment of gold chains gives Del a chance to make a lot of money. But then the real owner turns up leading to an eventful turn of events in an Italian restaurant.

3, Dates

Del and Rodney both go out on dates. Rodney goes out with Nervous Nerys but theirs turns into a high speed car chase. Del meets a woman called Raquel, he thinks he has met his soul mate but she has a secret.

4. Ashes to Ashes

Trigger's gran has died and Del and Rodney come into possession of 2 priceless urns. But when they discover the contents of one of them, they go through a series of extreme measures to dispose of them.

5. Hole in One

The boys are in a dire money situation .but when Uncle Albert falls into the cellar of The Nag's Head Del sees a chance to make easy money but Albert's Navel record may pose a problem.

6. The Unlucky Winner is

The competition bug has bitten Del. When a painting by Rodney wins a prize holiday problems occur over the age given on the painting.

7. From Prussia With Love

Del tries to sell to Boycie and Marlene a German girl's baby. But as ever Del's dealings thigs do not go to plan.

8. A Touch of Glass

Del convinces a member of the upper class to clean expensive glass chandeliers. It sets ups one of the show's most famous scenes.

9. The Frog's Legacy

Del meets his mum best friend who tells him about the stolen gold bequeath to him Rodney. The episode gives us the idea that Rodney's parentage is not what we have been told.

10. Video Nasty

When Rodney gats a video camera Del as always sees a chance to make some money. Featuring a very funny story pitcgh about killer Rhinos.

40 years of Flash

 This week sees the release on various home entertainment formats of the 1980 film version of Flash Gordon. It has become a cult classic. From its colourful sets to the over the top performances from the likes of Brian Blessed. Flash Gordon is a flim to own.

No applause

After a 3 month delay this year's World Snooker Championship got started yesterday. The day's play was played out ta a reduced number of spectators. But after the Government announced measures yo combat the spread of Covid-19 there will be no more members of the public observing the action.

Fresh dramatic content

Tonight on BBC1 A Suitable Boy starts, it is a screen version of the Vikram Seth novel of the same name. It shows the BBC are willing to put out fresh drama content while commercial rival ITV are trotting out repeats. While not everything has hit the mark with viewers for example the new versions of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads despite such big names as Martin Freeman, Jodie Cormer and Kristen Scott Thomas. Despite that it must be said the BBC are offering a choice.

No more Qs

It has been announced that famous music magazine Q is to cease publication. Established 34 years ago by famed music journalists David Hepworth and Mark Ellen it soon became a best selling title.
However the covid-19 pandemic has hit the magazine market hard and Q in particular.

Fed up of repeats

ITV has moved the repeat of Broadchurch to a late night dslot. A sign that viewers are finding other means to keep themsleves happy.

No dancing this year

For the first time in 15years there will be Strictly come dancing Christmas special. The covid pandemic has caused production problems. The BBC has gaps to fill on Christmas day

Cops and arrows

From this Monday ITV 4 are repeating 2 shows from the 1980s that have huge followings, Robin of Sherwood and Dempsey & Makepeace. Long time readers will know that I did a top 10 episode list for the former.. It took an new age spin on the legend. Dempsey & Makepeace finds an US cop partnered with a British one to fight crime on the streets of London. Michael Brandon and Glynnis Barber who played the titular duo would marry in real life.

Liverpool, why the wait?

After 30 years Liverpool F C have their first top flight league. So who won instead.

The one offs

Leeds United 1992
Winning their first title since the 1970s Leeds were helped by Liverpool beating title rivals Manchester United. However in recent years the team has struggled.

Blackburn Rovers 1995

In a fore taste of things to come in Football Rovers were bank rolled to the title. Unlike others on this list it was a local tycoon Jack Walker behind their title win. Kop legend Kenny Dalgeish managed Rovers.

Lecister City

In one of the biggest upsets the Foxes won the title in 2016. This prompted one time player Gary Lineker to present an edition of Match of the Day wearing his under pants over his trousers.


The usual suspects

Arsenal

The Gunners won 4 league titles between 11991 and 2004. The first season they wen unbeaten.

Chelsea

Backed Russian oil money Chelsea won 5 league titles between 2005 and 2017. They also won the UEFA  Champions League in 2012.

Manchester City

Since coming under UAE owner ship Man City have won 4 league titles. However they appealing over an UEFA ban

Manchester United

Perhaps the most galling for Liverpool fans is the one time dominance of nearby rivals Man U. Under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson they won 13 League titles.. However since Sir Alex retired they have won none.

Guard of honour

Liverpool after their league victory will will receive a guard of honour from rivals Manchester City

No apprenticeships this year

It has been reported that the next series of The Apprentice has been postponed. Due .to the current pandemic the BBC have decided to call a halt to production

The Match is on

For the first time in 32 years an English top flight football game will be live on the BBC. Bournemouth play Crystal Palace. Due to covid-19 football matches were delayed. And now the season has resumed. The BBC has seen ITV and various satellite broadcast live games but for now they are back on the BBC.

Marcus 1 Boris 0

Most people don't think of  Footballers as social warriors but today that will have changed. Marcus Rashford expressed his dismay at Government plans to axe vouchers for school meals. This set off a massive of support for Rashford. And despite one Government minister (Therese Coffgey of the Department of Work and Pensions) giving a snide response there has a been an U-turn by the Government and the scheme is. The lesson from this? Footballers do have a lot of support.

Gone with the times

Given that some content has been dropped  by some providers these are some programmes that you will never see.

The Black and White Minstrel Show

The idea of a group of performers singing show tunes might seem harmless enough. But when you consider the male members of the troupe are in black face then things change. Amazingly it ran for 20 years.

Curry & Chips

Starring comedy legends Spike Milligan and Eric Sykes. Milligan plays an Irishman with Pakistan heritage with the one time Goon using make up to do this. The show was taken off air complaints of racism.

Mind Your Lanague

A sit-com in which a group of over seas students go to night class to learn English  It's use of stererotypes means it is not likely to get an airing

Heil Honey I'm Home

Without a doubt the most tasteless premise British TV has known. Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun find out their new neighbours are Jewish. Taken off air by BSB after just one episode aired though right minded will say one was too many.

Bouncers back on the beeb

It has been announced that top flight international Cricket will be on BBC TV for the first time in 20 years. In 1998 Channel 4 made the shock poaching of Test Cricket which they covered until 2005. From that point on Sky Sports have had live coverage and Channel 5 showed highlights. Under the new deal Sky retain live coverage while the BBC have highlights. The new deal starts this summer.

Best of Blackadder

Rowan Atkinson plays the different incarnations of the scheming Edmund Blackadder. As always by his side is Tony Robinson's Baldrick who always has a cunning plan for every dire situation they get into. Here are the 10 best episodes.

1. Sense and Senilty

In order to improve Prince (Hugh Laurie) George's public image hires 2 actors to coach the Regent in public speaking but Edmund falls out with them. So he mentions the Scottish play a lot.

2. Beer

Edmund accepts a challenge from Lord (Stephen Fry) Melchettt over who would win a drinking contest, Though there are 2 problems, Blackadder's puritan Aunt and Uncle are coming to visit him on the night of  the contest.

3. Blackadder's Christmas Carol

The Dicken's classic is given a twist as the Ghost of (Robbie Coltrane) Christmas  Past a kinder Blackadder what horrors his ancestors were. It has the opposite effect.

4. Captain Cook

Eager to avoid the big push against Germen lines answers a call for artists. 2 problems, he does not have any talent and the post is not what it seems.

5. Potato

Blackadder has a bet with Francis (Simon Jones) Drake. To win it he recruits an old sea dog played by Tom Baker who is legless in more than one sense.

6. Dish and Dishonesty

New Prime Minister Pitt the Younger vows to cut Prince George's finances. So Blackadder concocts a plan to make Baldrick a MP but as usual things do not go to plan.

7. Head

Given the role of executing The Queen's enemies Blackadder tries to quicken things up so he can have some spare time.  But problems arise when the wife of one prisoner is given permission to see her husband one last time. Trouble is he may have already been beheaded.

8. Amy and Amiablity

Cash is running low in The Prince Regent's household. Blackadder tries to marry him off failing that Edmund becomes a high way man only to find he has a rival.

9. The Archbishop

The Ding (as played by Brian Blessed) declares his son Edmund to be the new Archbishop of Canterbury. He does not in particular when 2 knights come to kill him.

10. General Hospital

Sent to s field hospital to find a Germen spy but finds himself falling for an nurse played by Miranda Richardson. But is she what she seems?

By any other name

On Today's BBC Breakfast there was a discussion the Dominic Cummings lockdown breaking incident. billed as political writer for The Daily Mail. Hodges then corrected the presenter by saying he worked for The Mail on Sunday. The same thing happened a few weeks ago, this time with Peter Hitchens. Is the name power of The Daily Mail so huge that no one takes notice of it's Sunday sister?

Slim pickings

2 shows into the latest run of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? and 6 contestants have taken on the challenge. And 4 of them have won a thousand pounds each. This is less than half of what the average Tipping Point winner wins. There are rumours that a contestant will face the million pound question thereby saving the producers from having even more red faces.

The guard out in force

This weekend marks 75 years of VE-Day. Among the offerings TV viewers are getting are different versions of the sit com Dad's Army. Tonight on ITV the 2016 film version which got a mixed response from critics. And on Saturday night BBC 1 is showing what many considered to be the show's best episode Deadly Attachment in which our hapless heroes find themselves guarding captured U-Boat crew members which leads to one of the show's most famous moments.

Trolls World War

Fluffy CG toon film Trolls World  Tour has caused a bit of a fuss. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic Universal the studio behind the film decided to release the film onto digital platforms. Only they did not tell cinema owners until the last moment. Adding more fuel was comments by an Universal executive saying other films could have release patterns in line with Trolls World Tour. This has led to 2 North American chains AMC and Regal saying they will not screen Universal films if this came to pass. Many eyes are watching the situation.

My Family at 20

Given the current circumstances the BBC have had to ration episodes of EastEnders. So to fill the gap on tonight they are showing the nearly 20 year old first series of My Family. Running from 2000 to 2011 the show could be considered the major hit pre water shed sit com, drawing at one point 11 million viewers. Starring Robert Lindsey and Zoe Wannamaker it detailed the chaotic lives of the Harper family. Now tonight on BBC 1 it starts a repeat run.

TV Review: Quia

9 PM, ITV

Starring Matthew MacFadyen, Sian Clifford ,Michael Sheen

Taking us back the time when Who Wants to Be a Millionare? was taking over the UK hearts and minds., Quiz tells the story of the infamous cheating Army Major Charles Ingram. Playing Ingram is Macfadyen who is bemused by how the show has taken over his family with his brother-in-law spending large sums just to get on the show. We also get background on how the show came to be and it's makers. Adding to the long line of famous men he has played is Michael Sheen as Chris Tarrent with the same easy going charm. Quiz is a watchable pitch black farce.

The final 2 parts are on tonight and tomorrow.

Tim Brooke-Taylor (1940 - 2020)

The death has been announced of comedy legend Tim Brooke-Taylor. He firs found fame on At last the 1948 Show alongside with other future comic stars John Clesse, Graham Chapman and Marty Feldmen with it being most famous sketch featuring a of Yorkshiremen trying to outdo each out do each other with tales of how poor they were. Tim his greatest fame when with Bill Oddie and Grame Garden he The Goodies. The show that featured London being terroridsed by a giant kitten and an Northern English martial art. After The Goodies finished in 1981 Tim had a role in sit com Me and My Girl and was a regular on Radio 4 Panel show Sorry I Haven't a Clue.

Tim Brooke-Taylor R.I.P

A drip, drip of Eve

The next series of BBC 1's award winning darkly comic thriller Killing Eve will see it's episodes released onto the I-Player platform. This is in compassion to the previous 2 series of the show which  were released in whole at the same time on I-Player. This goes against the whole binge watch ethos which prevails British broadcasting.

Honor Blackman (1925- 2020)

The death has been announced of Honor Blackman who played 2 trailblazing Female screen characters Pussey Galore in Bond film Goldfinger and Cahy Gale in TV's The Avengers. Her other film work included An Night to Remember which is considered by many to be the   best screen account of he sinking of the Titanic. Other TV included guest spots in the lies of Doctor Who, Minder, and The Saint. There was also a starring role in 1990s sit com The Upper Hand. Honor also had a hit single with Avengers co star Patrick MacNee Kinky Boots both in the 1960s and 1990s.

Honor Blackman R. I. P.

Best of - The Sweeney

John Thaw and Dennis Waterman are Jack Reagan and George Carter of  the Flying Squad cracking on the crooks of  1970s London. Here are the 10 best episodes

1.Night Out

Reagan finds himself in place in a pub in which it's cellar a gang of crooks is trying to break into the bank next door. Peter Childs who plays the main robber would appear opposite Waterman in an number of episodes of Minder playing a police.

2. Stay Lucky Eh?

A pair of robber are then robbed leaving the crime boss behind the  heist hunting down those who ripped him off. Peter Vaughan plays the crime boss in the same manner hi which he played Harry Grout in Porridge and Waterman's future New Tricks co star Alun  Armstrong plays one of the robbed robbers.

3. The Placer

Reagan goes undercover in a gang of cargo robbers. He starts to sow discord among them by making moves on the ring leader's girl friend leading to a tense finale at a chemical plant.

4. Faces

Reagan and Carter look into a gang of robbers with ties to terrorists. Playing one of the robbers is Colin Weiland best known at the time for playing a policeman in Z-Cars but in the future would win an Oscar for writing the screenplay to Chariots of Fire.

5. Ringer

The show's first episode. Flying Squad observe a gang of crooks planning their next. Playing the gang leader id Brian Blessed.

6. Pay Off

Carter is asked by a casino croupier (played by Geraldine James) to look into the case of her vanished boyfriend. This leads to a stand off with a gang in a quarry.

7. Thin Ice

A comedic episode for a change. Reagan uses a crook's love for his pet dog to entc0e him back to the UK. Guest starring Brian Glover as a hapless right handman

8. Country Boy

A tech expert is brought in to help Flying Squad look into why alarms are being set off for no reason. What they find is a daring robbery.

9. Sweet Smell of Sucession

The son of a recently deceased crime boss finds himself at the centre of a gang land power but is he as innocent as seems? Guest starring Hywell Bennett as the son/

10. Bad Apples

Reagan and Carter are on the trail of a pair of cops may be corrupt. Interesting to see our heroes against those supposed to be on the same side.

The games are off

After much speculation this year's Olympic Games are off. Due to be held in Toyoko the Games have been moved back a year doe to the covid-19 crisis.

Are the Games off?

Concerns are mounting that this year's Olympics will be postponed due to the covid-19 crisis. Canada have pulled it's team out of the event due yo be held in Japan. Some have suggested the games to be held in a couple of years time. Though this will mean it will held in the same year as the Football World Cup. The situation keeps changing.

Zero

For obvious reasons the world has ground to a halt

Awful quiz show answer of the day 20-03-2020

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked which 1988 Bruce Willis film was based on the novel No One Lives forever. The answer given was 12 Monkeys. That was released in 1995, the correct answer is Die Hard

The contest is off

This year's Eurovison Song Contest is the latest event to be called off. Due to be held in Rotterdam, the Dutch Government has banned events of mass gatherings.

Production halted

Filming on the BBC continuing dramas EastEnders, Casualty, Holby City and Doctors has been halted due to the Covid-19 Virus crisis. EastEnders for example will now be shown 2 times a week as opposed to the 4 times as it is now.

TV ratings 15-03-2020

Belgravia the much hyped new series from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes drew 4 million viewers. It was beaten by the last episode BBC 1's Last Tango in Halifax which was seen by 5 million viewers. Belgravia ratings performance will be considered a disappointment given the track record of it's creators.

The World is closed

Due certain events a lot of things have been cancelled.

Matt goes baking

It has been announced that Matt Lucas will be taking over from Sand Toskvig as one of the presenters of Channel 4's Great British Bake Off. Matt is of course best known for his partnership with David Walliams on number of projects with the most famous being Little Britain. His new co-host Noel Fielding also had his own famous comic partnership, The Mighty Boosh with Julian Barrett. The new series of Great British Bake Off starts later this year.

We own the stairway

Led Zeppelin have won  a copyright battle over their most famous song Stairway to Heaven. US group Spirt said the rock legends lifted the opening riff to their song Tararus. The court found in favour of Zeppelin. This not the first band have been accused of lifting from other acts work though this time we have an answer.

Max von Sydow (1929-2020)

The death has been announced of actor Max von Sydow. He gained fame with a series he made with fellow Swede Ingamar Bergman. His first Hollywood role was as Christ in The Greatest Story Ever Told. Other famous roles include Father Merrin Lancaster in The Exorcist, Ming the Merciless in Flas Gordon and Ernst Stravo Blofled in Never Say Never Again. Max von  Sydow leaves behind an impressive body of work.

Bradly becomes Pa

Just days after quitting Doctor Who it has been announced that Bardly Walsh will take on the role Pa Larkin in an new version of the Darling Bud. There had been a previous series based on the stories of H E Bates which was a massive ratings hit. It starred David Jason as Pa and launched the career of Catherine Zeta Jones. No word as yet on who will be joining Bradly in the cast for this new version.

Voices of the Image

News of the return of Spitting Image brings to mind the long list of famous performers who provided voices for the show. Here are some of them.

Steve Coogan

Forever to be known as Alan Partridge Coogan has played an number real life figures most recently Stan Laurel.

Phil Cornwell

Played Alan's rival in I'm Alan Partridge, worked on both radio and TV versions of Dead Ringers and Stella Street in which celebs like Jack Nicholson live on an normal street.

Jan Ravens

Like Cornwell worked on both versions of Dead Ringers. Last seen delivering a highly toxic take on former Prime Minister Theresa May

John Thomson

Later to find fame on sketch show The Fast Show playing characters as the host Jazz Club with the catch phase of GREAT!!!!! Thomson would find a  popular hit in comedy drama Cold Feet.

Return of the image.

The streaming service Britbox has announced it's first commission of it's own and will delight those who wish some scathing satire in these troubled times. 24 years after it's ITV run ended Spitting Image is returning. Between 1984-96 the show skewered the powerful and the famous of the day including Margaret Thachter and Ronald Regan. Such was show's impact the band Genesis used puppets in their Land of Confusion video. Given that today we have such figure as Donald Trump and Boris Johnson in powerful roles this new version of Spitting Image will not lack for material.

No more adventures for Bradley

Bradley Walsh has announced that he is leaving the cast of Doctor Who. He has played the role of Graham since. His last appearance will in the end of year special titled which will feature the return of the Daleks. also leaving with Bradley is Bradley is Tosin Cole who played Graham's step son Ryan.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 02-03-2020

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked in which decade of the 20th century was the Oscars shown live on TV. The answer given was 1900s! The actual answer id the 1950s.

TV ratings 01-03-2020

Doctor Who saw just 3.78m viewers tune in to see the final episode of the current series. In am night of low ratings Antiques Roadshow posted the best figure with 4.41m viewers.

The return of Action

Coming out later this month is Action 2020, an one off remake of the old Action comics. The title caused a fuss with it's use of graphic images of violence. One issue had to be pulped after complaints from moral watch dog Mary Whitehouse. One creative people working on this new version of Action is famed writer Garth Ennis. What impact the one off makes has to be seen.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 27-02-2020

On today's Tipping Point contestants were asked what doe the I in CIA. One buzzed in with the answer investigation. The answer of course is intelligence.

Awful Quiz show answer of the day 26-02-2020

On today's Tenable contestants were asked to name an EU country with either F or S in it's name. One gave El Salavdor as an answer which is course is in Central America!

Wilder excuse

Detonay Wilder has blamed his defeat in the WBC Heavyweight fight on the heavy fake armour he wore for his ring entrance. By contrast the man who defeated made his being carried on a throne which he sat on. Tyson the winner on more than one front.

TV ratings 23-02-2020

The first of the 2 part finale of the current series of Doctor Who was watched by 3.71 m viewers. by contrast the final episode of the current run of Call the Midwife was  seen by 6.29 viewers.

The Watchdog  is being  put down

The BBC has announced that consumer rights show Watchdog will cease to be a programme in it's own right and will become a segment on The One Show. This means that it is going to back to how it started only it was another light weight news show Nationwide. Presenters included Anne Robinson, Nickey Campbell and husband and wife duo John Stapleton and Lynn Faulds Woods who became known for her abrasive door stepping and demostrations of harmful products. How long Watchdog surrives in it's new guise is anyone's guess.

Update
I

Still in hospital

Sick

I am in hospital

Sandi's off

It has been announced that Sandi Toksvig will no longer presenting The Great British Bake Off. Sandi has been presenting the show for the 3 years the show has been on Channel r sine it's sensational move from the BBC. Sandi will still present the Stand Up to Cancer special after which she will focus on other work.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2020

The inductess for this year's Rock and Hall of Fame have been announced. They are Whitey Houston. Notorious B. I G, T. Rex, Nine Inch Nails, Depche Mode and The Doobie Brothers. There is a prize giving ceremony which is being broadcast in the US by HBO.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 14-01-2020

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked what was the name of the main character in the Jules Verne novel Around the World in Eighty Days. The answer given was Poirot. The answer of course is Phileas Fogg

Oscars 2020 nominations

The nominations for this year's Oscars have been announced. Leading the way with 11 nominations is the comic book based Joker. Else where the Lion King remake has been left out of the Best Animated prize which studio Disney will be happy about as they claim it is live action even though there is no live action elements in it.

Awards fuss

In the last few days the nominations for both the Film BAFTAs and Brit music awards have been announced. Both have caused uproar with their make up. The BAFTAs have been accused of being too white the Brits have come under fire having few women in the major mixed gender awards. You have to remember it was not that long ago the Oscars were accused of being too white.

No multiverse for Scott

It has been announced that Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson will not direct the sequel. Bearing the some what tongue twisting title of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It sees Benedict Cumberatch return to the role of Stephen Strange with Elizabeth Olson joining him as the Scarlet Witch. The search for Derrickson's replacement is underway so that the film can make it's 2021 release date.

Awful quiz show answer of the day 09-01-2020

On today's Tipping Point a contestant was asked which M. Night Shyalman film brought together characters from his previous films Unbreakable and Split. The contestant's answer was Speed. The correct answer is Glass.

Sibling rivalry

Tonight on ITV an new true crime drama White House Farm starts. It tells the events that led to the conviction of Jeremy Bamber for the murders of his parents, sister and her 2 sons. Playing Bamber is Freddie Fox member of the famed Fox acting family. Meanwhile on BBC 1 the second episode of the new series of Silent Witness starring Freddie's sister Emilia. Tonight is probably going to be an awkward night in the Fox household.

Hans Bond

It has been announced that Hans Zimmer will be providing the music for the forthcoming Bond film No Time To Die. Zimmer has scored a wide range of films to his CV, Driving Miss Daisy, Broken Arrow and Gladiator to name just 3. James Bond becomes the latest heroic heroric character to get the Zimmer touch. Hans has scored films featuring Batman, Superman, Spider-Man and Sherlock Holmes.

No Time to Die is released in April

You are a record breaker but you not

Frozen 2 has surpassed it's processor to become the highest grossing animated film at the World wide box office. But others would say that another0 release of last year really has the title. The remake of The Lion King used digital effects to create realistic animals and landscapes. This has lead it's makers to say that it is live action not animation despite many others disagreeing. The new version of The Lion King has the edge over Frozen 2 hence the dispute.

Golden Globes 2020

The first major awards of the year the Golden Globes took place. WW I epic 1917 took Best Picture award. Its director Sam Mendes made an impassioned defence of the cinema going experience in a thinly attacked on streaming services like Netflix who put out films on limited release as to qualify for award consideration. Perhaps the biggest shock of the night came in the Best Animated film award when the Disney trio of Toy Story 4, Frozen 2 and the Lion (though Disney insist on calling live action) King remake were beaten Missing Link a film whose complte box gross pales in comparsion to it's 3 House of Mouse rivals.

The reach of haunted

The death of medium Derek Accorah reminds of the time the show he came to fame Most Haunted was quite the sensation. Despite going out on the lesser watched Living channel it was a sensation with even Derek appearing as himself in Doctor Who. The Shows appeal went beyond the UK with even famed US sketch show Saturday Night Live doing a Micky take with none other than Hugh Laurie impersonating Derek.

You can watch the SNL sketch on Youtube

Leaving the shrine

This weekend sees the start of this year's BDO World Darts Championship. It is the first in 35 years not to be held at the Lakeside Country Club in Firmley Green Purfleet it is being held at the O2 on London. The BDO event has a rather torrid time in recent years, first it has seen it's TV coverage go from the high profile of the BBC to the lesser watched Eurosport. It also had to contend with the rival PDC version which at it's last version of the World Championship saw Female player Falloon Sherrock beat an number of male players. Weather the BDO can survive the next few years is anyone guess.

TV ratings 01-01-2020

New Year's saw the start of the new series of Doctor Who. 4.88 million viewers tuned into see The Doctor drawn into another Earth thearting plot. The show goes into a regular Sunday slot this weekend. Later on the night the new version of Dracula was seem by 3.65 million.