The sins of the Grandfather

A law suit is being considered by the estate of Mervyn Haisman over the use of as a character the Grandfather of Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart in the recent Doctor Who Xmas special.  Haisman and Henry Lincoln introduced the character in 1968 story Web of Fear and became a recurring character on the show down the years earning almost mythic status. In recent years his Daughter Kate was introduced on the show. The estate of Haisman is claiming breach of copyright though the BBC refutes this. The issues still rumbles on.

Change of host

Today the nominations for this year's BAFTA Film Awards were announced, The major contenders being The Shape of Water and The Darkest Hour. One another announcement, the being Stephen Fry's replacement as host, Fry had presented the awards for 17 years. So this year Joanna Lumley will be taking his place. The awards will take place on 12 February.

Bad quiz show answer of the day 08-0-2018

In a round on Pointless contestants were asked to identify figures from fashion. 1 rather clueless one said John Smith it was a wrong answer though adding to the contestant's woes was Paul Smith was one of people on the board.

Food war tweets

The revelations that US President Donald Trump takes 3 McDonald's Cheeseburgers to bed with him has given one of McDonald's rivals a golden PR opportunity. In a tweet that mirrors the style of the President, KFC made great play of the size of the rations compared to those of their rival. McDonald's have yet to reply.

TV ratings 5-1-2018

The latest Piers Morgan's Real Stories was watched by just over 2 million. The edition saw Morgan interview Caitlyn Jenner. The big winner of the night was BBC1's Caribbean set crime drama Death in Paradise which was watched over 6 million viewers.

You not speaking for me.

When the Bronte Society announced that model Lily Cole they probably did not expect the fuss it would create. One member Nick Holland the author of an number of books about the sisters whose work included Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre resigned. Mr Holland believed the choice belittled the sisters. The Bronte Society may have gained some headlines but in ways they may have not wanted.

Grin and bear it.

In 1984 The National Viewers and Listener's Association the Mary Whitehouse lead group of self appointed moral guardians of British media gave Yes Minister an award for decency in entertainment. The award cermonary itself saw the then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher herself turn up to give the award. She also turned with a scrip for a sketch that she 'wrote' herself. She performed it with shows 2 stars Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthrone. You can see the discomfort in both actors faces, Eddington was once a Labour Party member and burned members card in protest it's policy on nuclear weapons so that would put him the complete opposite of Mrs T.

You can see this awkward moment on Youtube