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19-05-2013 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, Sharon is shocked when Jack returns to the Square – and she hits the painkillers with terrible consequences. Also, worried Joey finds Lauren drinking alone, Ray has some big news for Kim, and it’s Lexi’s court hearing arrives – leaving Phil fearful of losing his granddaughter…
In Coronation Street, Ryan walks in on Tina and Gary arguing, but what has he overheard? Meanwhile, Ches is on the lookout for a new girlfriend, Roy refused to grieve for his father, while Rob and Tracy cook up a scam to steal from Carla – but can they pull it off?
Over in Emmerdale, Alicia struggles with David and Priya’s reunion, Vanessa confronts Rhona over the stolen drugs, and Jai is furious to learn Rachel and Archie are moving in with the Dingles. Elsewhere, Cameron digs up Alex’s remains in a desperate attempt to move them!
Finally, in Hollyoaks, tragedy strikes as Callum tries to stop Robbie robbing Price Slice at gunpoint. Also, Carmel is touched by Jim’s generosity, Darren helps Tony prepare for his operation, and the rowdy Roscoe clan descend on Hollyoaks – with explosive results!
19-05-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
'The Tomorrow People' has been greenlit for a full season by CW in the US. Following a successful pilot, a full series of 13 episodes have been commissioned as part of the channel's new Fall season. It will air on Wednesdays at 9pm. The series stars Robbie Ammel whose brother, Stephen stars in 'Arrow' which, coincidentally is broadcast on the same network an hour earlier at 8pm. A number of clips and promos have started appearing online to promote the show which is based on the cult seventies kids drama of the same name. Currently there is no word on who will be showing the new series in the UK.
Matt Smith has confirmed he will continue to play the Doctor in 'Doctor Who' following the show's fiftieth anniversary in November. Rumours had been that the anniversary and Christmas specials set to air later this year would mark the actor's swansong. Smith is currently filming the movie 'How to Catch a Monster' directed by Ryan Gosling. Showrunner Steven Moffat also confirmed at the recent BAFTA TV awards ceremony, that 'Doctor Who' will return for an eighth series with both Smith and him at the helm, in the new year.
The BBC will be airing its original 'live' coverage of The Queen's Coronation from 1953 in 'real time' on its BBC Parliament channel as part of the corporation's 60th anniversary celebrations of the event. Although the channel did the same thing for the 50th anniversary back in 2003, the footage has now been digitally restored for the first time and, according to BBC sources, represents a significant improvement in picture and sound quality to that which has been seen previously. The coronation will be screened over seven hours on Sunday 2 June from 10.15am to 5.20pm following the exact timings of the original broadcast.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Arrow: It's an explosive first season finale for the slow-burning super hero action series as Oliver Queen (Stephen Ammell) alias the Arrow finds himself squaring up for a deadly confrontation with his nemesis, the Dark Archer – alias John Barrowman. Expect lots of bare chested posturing if previous episodes are anything to go by. Monday 20 May – 8pm – Sky1.
CSI - Vegas meets New York: A two-part crossover story for the two surviving CSI shows sees New York's Gary Sinese holidaying in Las Vegas as the local team, headed by Ted Danson, investigate the murder of a local wine enthusiast. The story continues the following evening at 9pm. Monday 20 May – 9pm – Channel 5.
Elementary: In the penultimate first season episode entitled 'The Woman', we learn more about Sherlock's past as his mysterious former girlfriend, Irene Adler, turns up revealing clues to the detective's previous life. Tuesday 21 May – 9pm – Sky Living.
12-05-2013 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, Lola’s suspicious when Sharon buys a new cot for Lexi, Michael’s furious when Janine hires a nanny, and Bianca feels left out as Whitney plans her wedding. Meanwhile, Shirley turns up at a Mitchell family dinner and causes all sorts of problems…
In Coronation Street, angry Tina lets rip at Gary when he makes a move on her! Also, Roy decides he wants to track down his father, Kylie and Nick panic when David wants the baby tested for epilepsy, and Owen disapproves of Katy’s decision to move in with Ryan…
Over in Emmerdale, drunken Kerry puts Sarah and Jack in serious danger when she starts a fire – can Cain, Andy and Amy fight the flames to save the day? Elsewhere, Megan is horrified as Sean gets an electric shock, Debbie drops a bombshell, and David proposes to Priya – but gets a surprise answer!
Finally, in Hollyoaks, the McQueen clan is at war, but Mercedes and Carmel try to make nice for the reopening of he club. Also, Doug worries that things are moving too fast with JP, Tony is battling to keep his cancer news a secret, and a suspect is charged with Texas’s murder.
12-05-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK:
ABC has finally confirmed 'Marvel's Agents for SHIELD' - for the US Fall season revealing what everyone assumed to be true given the worldwide interest in the project. The US channel aired a promo last Sunday following the latest episode of its fantasy drama 'Once Upon a Time' launching a major marketing push for the eagerly awaited spin-off from last year's 'Avengers Assemble' movie. The series will star Chloe Bennet, Elizabeth Henstridge, Iain De Caestecker (last seen in the BBC's 'The Fades'), Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton and Clark Gregg as the late Agent Coulson. The show will be executive produced by the movie's director, Joss Whedon.
The BBC is to remake the classic seventies period drama 'Poldark'. Based on a series of novels by Winston Graham, the eighteenth century saga ran for two fondly remembered series from 1975 to 1977 and starred Robin Ellis in the title role as a soldier who returns to his Cornish home to find his fiance engaged to another man. The new version is being prepared for a Sunday night slot in the new year.
'24' is set to return with a new thirteen-part series. Kiefer Sutherland is expected to return as maverick CIA agent Jack Bauer in a new thirteen-part version commissioned by FoxTV. The news comes as the final episode of Sutherland's short-lived sci-fi drama 'Touch' aired in the US. 'Touch' ran for two seasons with the second delayed for undisclosed reasons.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
The Fall: Former X-Files agent, Gillian Anderson returns to TV as the star of this new five-part crime thriller set in Belfast. Anderson is Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson who is drafted in to investigate an unsolved murder but is the killer the one suspect who is in plain sight? Monday 13 May – 9pm – BBC2.
Frankie: Torchwood's Eve Myles is district nurse Frankie Maddox in a new drama from Lucy Gannon. As Frankie approaches her 36th birthday, the surprise she was expecting may be bigger than she imagined. Dean Lennox Kelly also stars as her boyfriend, Tuesday 14 May – 9pm – BBC1.
Blue Bloods: Tom Selleck suffers twin setbacks in the season three climax of the critically acclaimed US cop drama. Thursday 16 May – 9pm – Sky Atlantic. Thursday 16 May – 9pm – Sky Atlantic.
Doctor Who – The Name of the Doctor: Someone is kidnapping the Time Lord's friends and the trail leads the Doctor and Clara to a destiny that will result in a deadly revelation. Matt Smith's third series reaches its climax in a story that we are assured will be a major game changer for the show's fiftieth anniversary. Saturday 18 May – 7pm – BBC1.
05-05-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK:
UKTV is to launch a new Freeview channel. Called simply 'Drama', it will broadcast the best of British television drama with highlights including 'Lark Rise to Candleford'. 'Cranford', 'Pride and Prejudice' 'Sharpe' and 'Auf Wiedersehen Pet'. The launch date is set for 8 July.
Jim Broadbent, Tom Chambers, Robert Glennister, James Fox and Tim Piggot-Smith are among the stars of a new drama based on the events of The Great Train Robbery. 'A Copper's Tale' chronicles the efforts of Tommy Butler, played by Broadbent, to catch the robbers behind the infamous heist. The screenplay is by Broadchurch and Doctor Who writer Chris Chibnall. 2013 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the robbery and the production is part of the BBC's commemoration of it. The corporation is also making 'A Robber's Tale' – a second production that tells the story from the point of view of the robbers themselves.
The series finale of the current run of 'Doctor Who' is to get a special “prequel” episode via the BBC's Red Button service. The three minute production will be available to viewers after the screening of the penultimate episode Neil Gaiman's 'Nightmare in Silver' and will run in the evenings for the following week. The final episode entitled 'The Name of the Doctor' then debuts on Saturday 18 May on BBC1 and promises to explain who the Doctor's current companion Clara really is and according to show runner Steven Moffat, “...will change the course of the series forever.”
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Hannibal: The US drama based on 'The Silence of the Lambs' gets its UK début. Scandinavian actor Mads Mikkelslsen is Dr. Hannibal Lecter while his FBI adversary is Will Graham, his FBI adversary. The new series is very much a prequel with Lecter cast as a psychiatrist whose crimes have yet to be uncovered. Tuesday 7 May – 10pm – Sky Living.
Dallas: The second season of the revived US soap reaches its finale as the Ewings find themselves unprepared for the revelations about the identity of JR's killer. No word on a third season yet. Tuesday 7 May – 10.55pm – Channel 5.
Star Trek – the True Story: First shown on the Discovery network, this documentary chronicles the creation and life of the classic sci-fi series. Some odd dramatic reconstructions add colour to the well-worn myths that surround the cult series. You might not learn anything new but it's less fluff than the usual DVD extras on the subject. Thursday 9 May – 8pm – Channel 5.
04-05-2013 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, Michael’s frustrations boil over when Janine prevents him from seeing Scarlett, Lucy’s miffed as Lauren lands a job at Ian’s restaurant, and Jay has a proposition for Phil. Meanwhile, jealous Roxy throws Kat out of The Vic – but inadvertently puts herself in danger…
In Coronation Street, when Stella reveals she can’t pay him, Owen starts ripping the refurbished Rovers to bits! Also, Izzy struggles with her jealously as she watches Gary fuss over Tina, Roy makes a shock discovery, and David suffers an epileptic fit while looking after Max…
Over in Emmerdale, Cameron starts to dig up Alex’s corpse before someone stumbles across it, but he’s soon interrupted… Elsewhere, David is stuck in the middle of warring Rishi and Priya, Brenda receives the results of her all-important scan, and Gennie starts to put two and two together…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Mercedes vows to get her stolen money back whatever the cost, Robbie’s brother Freddie arrives in the village, and Maxine has a hot date lined up. Meanwhile, Texas and Will’s wedding ends in tragedy when the bride falls to her death from a window – but who pushed her?
29-04-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
Reeves and Mortimer are returning to the BBC with a new sitcom. BBC2 has commissioned 'House of Fools' – a new six part comedy for broadcast new year. The series will be recorded in front of a studio audience and promises to blend traditional sitcom with Vic and Bob's anarchic humour. The show will also feature regular appearance from Matt Berry, Dan Skinner, Morgana Robinson and Daniel Simonsen as Bob's teenage son, Erik.
MTV is adding another title to its steadily growing raft of 'new' dramas. The latest is a small screen adaptation of the 'Scream' movies. Originally written by Kevin Williamson and directed by Wes Craven, the movies were a huge hit initially in the 1990s. The new version is to be over seen by Craven who is in talks to direct the pilot. MTV has already greenlit 'Teen Wolf' based on the not-so-fondly remembered Michael J. Fox movie from the early eighties.
ITV has commissioned a four-part drama based around the Great Fire of London. The mini-series will follow characters both fictional and historical – including the famous diarist Samuel Pepys - as they battle the flames over a four day period. It's written by ITN's political editor, Tom Bradby. The serial is expected to air in 2014.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Vicious: The start of a new sitcom double-bill slot on ITV sees Sir Derek Jacobi and Sir Ian McKellen star an elderly gay couple living in a flat in Soho. It might be a very traditional looking sitcom but the sight of two of the country's finest actors and Knights of the Realm bitching at each other on a manky settee is too good to miss. 'The Job Lot' – the second of the double-bill – follows and stars Russell Tovey. It's set in a Job Centre... Monday 29 April – 9pm – ITV.
Waterloo Road: The school gates open for a new term at the BBC's 'Grange Hill' clone with a new pupil bringing dangerous baggage into the classroom whilst the appointment of a new deputy head causes er.... heads (!) to turn. Thursday 2 April – 8pm – BBC1.
Doctor Who – The Crimson Horror: Mark Gatiss returns with a Victorian flavoured script that might seem familiar to devotees of Midlands chocolate heritage (if there are any). Dame Diana Rigg guest stars as the main villain of the piece with a broad Yorkshire accent and her real life daughter, Rachel Sterling, providing further support. Saturday 4 April – 6.30pm – BBC1.
21-04-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
The BBC are considering bringing back 'Bergerac'. John Nettles originally played the recovering alcoholic Jim Bergerac in the police detective series set in Jersey during the 1980s. However, the new version would be see a “younger” actor in the lead role. The show's creator Robert Banks Stewart has given his blessing for the new project.
FX's serial killer drama 'Dexter' will end after season eight. The show's impending climax had always been rumoured to occur after eight series but FX has finally confirmed the fact. The final run of 13 episodes is due to debut in the US on 30 June and will see English actress Charlotte Rampling joining the cast.
'Hannibal' – the US TV series set around the serial killer of 'The Silence of the Lambs' – has finally been given a UK airdate. The show, which began on ABC in the US last month, will debut on Sky Living on 7 May. The series stars Mads Mikkelsen in the title role of Hannibal Lecter while the rest of the cast includes Hug+h Dancy, Laurence Fishburne, Eddie Izzard, Gillian Anderson and Gina Torres.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Broadchurch: The series reaches its climax. How did Danny Latimer die and will the inhabitants of Broadchurch be able to accept the truth. All will be revealed...Monday 22 April – 9pm – ITV.
The Wright Way: Ben Elton returns to writing sitcoms with his first since 'The Thin Blue Line' back in the 1990s. David Haig stars as Gerald Wright – a health and safety officer at his local council – who has to contend with irregular speed bumps at work and his daughter's girlfriend at home. Tuesday 23 April – 10.35pm – BBC1.
The Politician's Husband: David Tennant and Emily Watson star in a belated follow up (of sorts) to Paula Milne's 1995 drama 'The Politican's Wife'. Tennant is the title character who resigns from government on principal and hatches a plan involving his ambitious wife now a front bench minister.Thursday 25 April – 9pm – BBC2.
07-04-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
With former stars David Tennant and Billie Piper now officially confirmed for the 'Doctor Who' 50th anniversary special, the BBC has been quick to quash rumours that Christopher Eccleston was also to appear but left the production only days before filming began. The BBC was forced to issue a statement that although Eccleston had been approached by executive producer Steven Moffat, he had declined the invitation. The actor played the Doctor for just one series when the show returned to BBC1 in 2005. Only recently has he confirmed the rumours at the time that he left following creative differences with the then production team. Filming for the as yet untitled anniversary adventure began this week. As well as confirming the presence of Tennant and Piper, the BBC also revealed that one of the shows most memorable one-shot monsters would also be making an appearance – the Zygons – whose last and only appearance was in a 1976 Tom Baker story 'Terror of the Zygons'. Also playing major roles will be film & TV legend, John Hurt and 'Gavin & Stacey' star, Joanna Page. The sixty minute-plus special is due to air on BBC1 and in 3D on BBC1HD on Saturday 23 November 2013.
The TV spin-off from last year's 'Avengers Assemble' movie has acquired a new title. 'Marvels Agents of SHIELD' is being written and executive produced by Joss Whedon and stars Clark Clegg as Agent Phil Coulson – last seen dying in the movie (!). The new series will also star Brett Dalton, Ming-Na Wen, Iain De Caestecker Elizabeth Henstridge and Chloe Bennet as a team of specialists engaged in investigating the strange and unknown. The pilot should lead to a TV series and air this autumn on ABC in the US.
'Last of the Summer Wine' is officially the UK's most repeated comedy show according to a survey published in the Daily Telegraph. During the first three months of 2013 alone, it has been screened 483 times on UKTV channels. The original series comprised of 295 editions and ran from 1973 until 2010. 'My Family' which starred Robert Lindsay and Zoe Wanamaker, was second in the survey with 233 screenings followed by QI with 179 and 'Only Fools and Horses' with 161. The poll had been conducted by British Comedy Guide website.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Victoria Wood's Nice Cup of Tea: The comedienne takes a personal journey into the world of the great British cuppa in a two-part documentary airing on consecutive nights. Along the way she talks to avid tea drinkers including Graham Norton, Matt Smith and Morrissey. Wednesday 10 April – 9pm – BBC1.
Mad Men: A feature-length opener heralds the UK debut of season six. Don Draper has left his wife and thrown himself back into his work as Roger gets some unsettling news. Wednesday 10 April – 10pm – Sky Atlantic.
The Big Bang Theory: After a mid-season break, new to UK season six episodes continue with a belated Christmas edition as Sheldon reveals a secret childhood trauma that still haunts him. Thursday 11 April – 8pm – E4.
The Security Men: Caroline Aherne and Jeff Pope pen a one-off comedy drama about a group of inept security guards who patrol a shopping centre. Dean Andrews (Life on Mars), Bobby Ball, Peter Wright and Brendon O'Carroll star in what could become a full series if the public take to it. Friday 12 April – 9pm – ITV.
05-04-2013 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, Sharon snogs Phil on the eve of her wedding to Jack – while Mr Mitchell learns that Mr Branning has been to see his ex, Ronnie! Will the ceremony go ahead? Also, Carol tells Bianca she’s made a big decision, Kirsty’s crushed by Max’s cold attitude, and Alfie opens up to Roxy…
In Coronation Street, Stella catches Karl as he’s about to flee Weatherfield – can he explain himself? Paul and Eileen’s relationship reaches breaking point, Peter squares up to Rob, and the factory girls have some grovelling to do. And emotions run high as Sunita’s funeral is held…
Over in Emmerdale, Jimmy’s gutted when Thomas leaves without saying goodbye, Kerry sneaks away when she’s meant to be babysitting, and Megan’s fuming at Sean’s bad behaviour. Elsewhere, Gennie doesn’t know whether she can go through with marrying Nikhil if Brenda’s not going to be there…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Clare puts on the charm for Dr Browning – but does she hold the key to Mercedes’s disappearance? Also, Maxine is offered a big opportunity, Theresa gets some relationship advice, and horrified Leanne learns that Will isn’t quite what he seems.
30-03-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
The BBC has revealed the cast for its new Saturday teatime family drama ‘Atlantis’. ‘Full Monty’ star Mark Addy and Juliet Stevenson are two of the names about to begin filming in the UK and Morocco. They are joined by Sarah Parish, Robert Emms, Aiysha Hart and Jack Donnelly. The series is very much seen as a replacement for ‘Merlin’ that concluded last year. It shares ‘Merlin’s executive producers and is created by ‘Misfit’s Howard Overman.
ABC’s ‘Once Upon a Time’ is hoping to gain a spin-off this autumn. ‘Once: Wonderland’ is modern take on ‘Alice in Wonderland’ which, like the main show, will mix fairy tale fantasy with real life drama. A pilot is currently in production. The cast includes East Midlands actor Michael Socha last seen as the werewolf Tom in BBC3’s ‘Being Human’. He is reported to be playing the Knave of Hearts.
Further cast members have also been announced for David Walliams’ new BBC sitcom ‘Big School’. Catherine Tate joins ‘Life on Mars’s Philip Glennister and ‘Rising Damp’s Frances De La Tour. His ‘Little Britain’ comedy partner Matt Lucas is also planning a TV comeback with what is described as a new silent comedy about an elderly, eccentric English aristocrat.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Jonathan Creek - The Curse of the Savant’s Thumb: Alan Davies and Sheridan Smith return for a 90min special as the duffel coat wearing detective is drawn back into sleuthing when a dead body vanishes from a locked room. Guest stars include Joanna Lumley, Rik Mayall, Nigel Planer and Sarah Alexander. Further new episodes are promised for later this year. Monday 1 April – 8.30pm – BBC1..
Touch: The second season of Keifer Sutherland’s perplexing drama finally reaches the screens. On the run from a sinister group who want to exploit his son’s unique affinity for numbers, Martin is convinced by Lucy to search for her similarly gifted daughter who may hold answers for them both. Tuesday 2 April – 8pm – Sky1.
Not Going Out: The sitcom that wouldn’t die returns for a sixth series sans one of its main stars in the form of Tim Vine. It’s left to Lee Mack to handle the quick-fire gags in the opening episode when a pet rabbit is the victim of an unfortunate accident. Friday 5 April – 9.30pm – BBC1.
28-03-2013 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, Lola is terrified when she discovers Lexi has a temperature, Ava’s big family meal gets interesting when Kirsty shows up, and Fatboy supports Dot during her day in court – but will she get the result she’s praying for? Also, Jack throws himself into wedding planning to avoid ex-wife Ronnie!
In Coronation Street, Dev’s over the moon when he hears Sunita’s regaining consciousness – but she then takes a dramatic turn for the worse. Meanwhile, Gary asks Tina to find out the sex of the baby, Kirsty and Tyrone come face to face, and Rita uncovers Sylvia’s little secret…
Over in Emmerdale, Ali gets off to a bad start at work, Paddy feels threatened by Rhona and Vanessa’s closeness, and Declan calls time on his business deal. Elsewhere, angry Brenda reckons Nikhil and Gennie are blackmailing her into having surgery…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, new boy Robbie causes chaos in the village, John Paul stumbles across the truth about Jen and Tilly, and Browning is suspicious of Clare. Also, Jacqui has a shocking confession for Tony – but how will he take it?
23-03-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK- The efforts of film director Peter Jackson to direct an episode of ‘Doctor Who’ have taken a step further with him revealing that he had talks with show runner Steven Moffat last December. He also said he would be willing to take a prop Dalek as payment for the gig. The director is known for his collection of original sci-fi props and already owns two Daleks from the original series.
HBO has ordered a full series based on Jo Brand’s BBC4 hospital comedy ‘Getting On”. The original series gained Brand a BAFTA. The remake is set to star Alex Borstein and will run for an initial six episodes after a successful pilot.
Channel 4 has officially green lit a fifth series of ‘Misfits’. There had been some doubt after the airing of the final episode of the fourth run last year. Series creator Howard Overman is also working on a script for a movie version.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:
Plebs: Here’s something rare… A new ITV sitcom. Billed as ‘Up Pompeii’ for ‘The Inbetweeners’ generation, Plebs follows the fortunes of three young slaves at the time of the Roman Empire. In the first episode, the trio have to find the courage to attend an orgy whilst in the second episode that immediately follows a new gladiator fails to impress one of them. Tom Rosenthal – from Channel 4’s ‘Friday Night Dinner’ stars. Friday 29 March – 9pm – BBC1.
My Hero - Miranda Hart on Eric Morecambe: Miranda Hart opens the book on her comedy hero Eric Morecambe. It’s a programme mixed with accounts of her own childhood and the life of the tall half of the classic comedy as she visits the places where he and Ernie Wise performed and meets many of the people who knew him. Monday 25 March – 10pm – ITV2.
Doctor Who - The Bells of Saint John: The Time Lord returns for the second half of series 7. In present day London, the Doctor is still perplexed by the mystery of the girl who died twice whilst in the capital’s wi-fi something very old and very nasty is lurking. Saturday 30 March – 6.15pm – BBC1.
22-03-2013: Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, Bianca is beside herself with worry over Liam – while her son continues to hide out at Kane’s flat. Meanwhile, Jean and Ian go head to head over Sharon’s wedding cake, Fatboy unearths some treasure, and Jay is struggling on the anniversary of Heather’s death…
In Coronation Street, in a special hour-long episode on Sunday, Stella and Sunita fight for their lives, while Karl points the finger of blame for the fire at Jason! Also this week, Tyrone’s trial gets underway – Kirsty plays the role of a battered woman, but will Julie come up trumps for Mr Dobbs?
Over in Emmerdale, Jai’s stunned when Rachel reveals Sam is moving in, and David can’t contain his jealousy when he sees Alicia with Lee. Elsewhere, Chas is seething to learn that Cameron has been blackmailing Charity – and then is horrified by his treatment of meddlesome Robbie…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, the McQueens take the law into their own hands to help Mercy, Ste finds comfort from an unlikely source, and Tony tries to rekindle an old flame. Meanwhile, Clare Devine makes a spectacular reappearance in the village!
16-03-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
The BBC is currently preparing an hour-long special paying a belated tribute to comedian Dave Allen. The Irish comic, famed for his laid back but often near-the-knuckle jokes about religion, was a main stay of BBC schedules during the 1970s with his show ‘Dave Allen at Large’. The documentary will reunite many of the actors that appeared in the show and is set for broadcast later this year.
A new book chronicling the life of classic Doctor Who’s final producer is about to be published. ‘The Life and Scandalous Times of John Nathan Turner’ lifts the lid on the production of the series during the 1980s and contains a no-holds barred account of some of the many incidents that had previously been the subject of gossip and rumour. The book is written by former Blue Peter editor and confirmed Doctor Who fan Richard Marson and features interviews with many of JN-T’s former colleagues and friends. It’s published by MIWK Publishing and is available to order from their website.
Benedict Cumberbatch, currently filming a new series of ‘Sherlock’, has confirmed that the great detective will return again for a further series. He revealed that both he and Martin Freeman have also signed up for a fourth run of three 90min episodes though he claimed that it would happen only when the two actors found times in their busy schedules.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
WPC 56: The BBC adds another period drama to its daytime schedules. ‘WPC 56’ is about the trials and tribulations of a young female police constable as she joins the police force of her Midlands hometown in 1956. Jennie Jacques plays the lead who has to face the prejudice of both colleagues and public. The series is in five parts and continues until Friday. Monday 18 March – 2.15pm – BBC1.
Dallas: Channel 5 may have given up on the rebooted eighties soap but its still worth tuning in for. Tonight’s episode sees the funeral of JR Ewing, hastily written into the series after the death of actor Larry Hagman during filming of the second series. ‘JR’s Masterpiece’ feature guest appearances from many of the original cast including Ted Shackleford and Joan Van Ark from the original series’ spin-off ‘Knot’s Landing’. Who shot JR? The answer will be revealed (again) in the final episode of the current run. Tuesday 19 March – 11pm – Channel 5.
Pointless Celebrities – Doctor Who Special: Members of Doctor Who’s cast – past and present – take part in a prelude to both the new series (starting next Saturday) and the show’s 50th anniversary. Bernard Cribbins, Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, Frazer Hines, Louise Jameson, Andrew Hayden-Smith, Nicola Bryant and Jacqueline King are the guests with Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman as hosts. Expect K-9 to make a brief appearance now fully forgiven after disgracing himself on a similarly themed ‘Weakest Link Special’. Saturday 23 March – 6pm – BBC1.
10-03-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
Steven Moffat is in for a busy month ahead. Filming is due to begin in the next fortnight on both the new series of ‘Sherlock’ and the 50th anniversary special of ‘Doctor Who’. The latter’s contents – to be directed by Nick Hurran - still remain firmly under wraps whilst the first episode of ‘Sherlock’ will follow on from the dramatic cliffhanger from the second series. Co-creator Mark Gatiss is reportedly the writer who will be revealing the actual fate of Holmes after his supposedly fatal fall. Despite helming the majority of the first two series and coming up with the unique look of ‘Sherlock’, director Paul McGuigan will not be returning to helm any of the three episodes. The series is expected to be screened in January 2014 though an earlier airdate has not been ruled out.
The BBC have announced that they are organising a 50th anniversary convention for ‘Doctor Who’ over the weekend of 22/23/24 November. The event will take place at ExCel in London with tickets being made available for 15,000 potential attendees. No further news is available other than the fact that it will include guest appearances from members of the show’s cast both past and present. Efforts to have the event held at the O2 arena (formerly the Millennium Dome) reportedly fell through at the last minute.
Mark Rylance is to star in an adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s bestselling novels ‘Wolf Hall’ and ‘Bring Up The Bodies’. The six-part historical drama chronicles events from the turbulent life and times of the Tudor Thomas Cromwell and is due to air on BBC2 next year. The novels will be adapted by screenwriter Peter Straughan.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Arrow: A chance for late-comers to catch up with Sky’s new superhero drama as Sky1 re-screens the first two episodes back-to-back. Billionaire Oliver Queen returns to Spoke City after being feared lost at sea where he sets out to become a masked vigilante tasked with bringing down a list of villainous targets on list given to him by his late father. Monday 11 March – 8pm – Sky1.
The Mimic: A new comedy sees Terry Mynott playing Martin – a site maintenance man for a drugs company with a remarkable talent for mimicry. The first episode sees Martin waiting for a DNA test to establish whether he’s a father whilst Morgan Freeman and James Earl Jones go head to head… Wednesday 13 March – 10pm – Channel 4.
Comic Relief: Funny for Money: The bi-annual fund-raising, fun-fest returns for over seven hours of comedy blended with films about the work of Comic Relief. It’s 25 years since the first marathon so expect a lot of back-patting in amongst the special episodes of ‘Call the Midwife’ and ‘Masterchef’ with appearances from the likes of Ricky Gervais (back as David Brent), Rowan Atkinson (as the Archibishop of Canterbury), Miss Piggy, Miranda Hart, Dame Edna Everage, Mrs Brown, Peter Kay, Matt Smith, Citizen Khan, Russell Howard, Dynamo, David Tennant, David Walliams and many others too obscure to mention. Friday 15 March – 7pm – BBC1.
09-03-2013 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, Denise is keen to keep her relationship with Ian a secret, Tanya learns that Abi has been sleeping with Jay, and Kat is gutted when Alfie drifts further away. Elsewhere, Bianca makes an awful discovery in Liam’s room – then has to lie to the cops to protect her son…
In Coronation Street, Karl blames Jason when he finds his wing mirror broken – but what revenge will messed-up Mr Munro take? Also, Gail overhears Sally criticising her, Sunita confesses all, and Katy sneaks away to be with Ryan – but Chesney is planning on popping the question!
Over in Emmerdale, Rhona and Paddy’s marriage is left hanging by the thread, Robbie steals from Moira to pay Debbie, and Kerry’s gutted when Amy says she’s moving back to the B&B. Meanwhile, how will Bob react as Brenda prepares to reveal the truth?
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Jacqui is tempted to go over to the dark side, and Will tries to pin the blame for his bad behaviour on Leanne – but Mr Savage is in for a huge shock. Elsewhere, Brendan returns – and faces a race against time to protects his loved ones!
04-03-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
Sky have axed ‘Spy’ – their critically acclaimed and award-winning comedy after two series. The news was tweeted by the show’s star Darren Boyd. The satellite channel has also announced that there won’t be a second series of ‘Sinbad’ – the fantasy adventure drama made by the producers of ‘Merlin’.
Filming is about start on a fourth run of ITV’s ‘Downton Abbey’. Hollywood star Shirley McLaine is to return and New Zealand opera singer Kiri Te Kanawa is set to guest star in an episode. The news comes amidst stories that series writer and creator Julian Fellowes is moving on from the popular Sunday drama. The series is due to return this autumn with a Christmas special to follow.
Steven Spielberg is returning to television to helm a mini-series based on the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. The drama will be based on a screenplay by the late film director Stanley Kubrick. The project was originally conceived by Kubrick in the 1970s but remained unfilmed. Steven Spielberg became a great friend of the director and helmed the movie ‘A.I’ based on another un-filmed Kubrick project shortly after his death. The Napoleon drama will be produced in conjunction with Kubrick’s family.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Broadchurch: David Tennant and Olivia Colman play rival police detectives in a new 10-part drama from ‘Torchwood’ and ‘Doctor Who’ writer Chris Chibnall. When a 10-year old boy’s body is found at the foot of a cliff, the resulting investigation brings out some dark secrets in a Dorset town. Monday 4 March – 9pm – ITV.
Bluestone 23: A new comedy about a bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan stars ‘Green Wing’s Oliver Chris and former ‘Hustle’ star Kelly Adams. Watch out for a cameo from American comedian Mike McShane – a stalwart from Channel 4’s ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ Tuesday 5 March – 10pm – BBC3.
Parks and Recreation: The US mockumentary finally makes its debut on British television after four successful seasons. Amy Poehler is Leslie Knope, the deputy director of parks in the US town of Pawnee who, in the first episode attempts to convince her boss to build a new park on the site of an old mine working. The second episode follows at 10.20pm. Wednesday 6 March – 10pm – BBC4.
03-03-2013 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, after Phil ruins Lola’s chances of getting increased access to Lexi, the teenage mum snatches her baby from his house – and flees! Also, Liam starts hanging round with a local gang, Michael tells Alice to flog all of Janine’s clothes, and Jack has a demand to make of Sharon…
In Coronation Street, Karl kidnaps Stella on the way to Eric’s funeral – but can he convince her to take him back?! Meanwhile, Tina and Fiz visit Kirsty’s mum to ask for help, Eileen thinks Paul is cheating on her, and Katy struggles with her emotions when she sees mate Steph all over Ryan…
Over in Emmerdale, Gennie is distraught when Brenda refuses to undergo a biopsy, Marlon and Ashley begin to realise how unhappy Sandy has become, and Andy stands up for Kerry. Elsewhere, Cameron wants rid of Thomas – does Mr Murray have murder in mind again?
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Brendan returns to be with Ste – but he soon faces a race against the clock to protect his loved ones! Also, Jacqui is tempted to go over to the dark side, Walker catches Kevin fleeing with Maxine, and Will’s new carer, Ellie, is hiding a massive secret…
24-02-2013 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine:
In EastEnders, disaster strikes when Jack challenges Phil to a fight – has he killed his love rival?! Meanwhile, Dexter offers Lola a shoulder to cry on, Michel’s forced to pay Alice using a dodgy bank note, and Dot is worried after a meeting with the housing-benefit people.
On Coronation Street, Eva gets a shock when she spots that Eric has snuffed it! Also, angry David kicks Gail out of her own house, Karl pleads with Stella for another chance, and there’s electricity in the air as Katy and Ryan work alongside each other in the kebab shop.
Over in Emmerdale, Megan is suspicious of Declan – but will she work out he slept with Charity? Elsewhere, Edna comes clean, Chas is baffled by Cameron’s hatred of Thomas, and Brenda absentmindedly endangers baby Molly – is there something wrong with her?
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Jacqui locks horns from her former jail mate Trudy, Dodger realises that Theresa’s not there for him, and Nancy is racked with guilt. Meanwhile, Kevin makes it his mission to get one over to Brendan – while Mr Brady himself begs Ste to take him back.
23-02-2013: TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
The BBC’s bio-drama about the creation of ‘Doctor
Who’ has added former League of Gentleman actor Reece Shearsmith in the role of Patrick
Troughton. Filming is due to be completed next week. The past fortnight has seen
the crew filming Daleks on Westminster Bridge and faithfully recreating the events
of the very first episode on sets that included the original TARDIS control room.
The 90-minute special is due to air on BBC2 on Saturday 23 November.
The cast is coming
together for the CW’s remake of ‘The Tomorrow People’. The pilot now stars Robbie
Amell as Stephen, ‘Home and Away’s Luke Mitchell as John and Mad Men’s Peyton List
as Caro. Joining them is former ‘Supernatural’ villain Mark Pellegrino as Dr Jedikiah
Price – a rogue biologist who believes the Tomorrow People to be a threat to the
future of mankind. (The character’s surname is a nod to the creator of the original
series, Roger Price.) Should the pilot – currently filming in Canada – be successful,
a full series will debut in the autumn.
Primeval New World will not return for a second
series. The spin-off from the popular ITV series has not found an audience both here
on Watch or in Canada where it is made.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Black Mirror – The
Waldo Moment: Daniel Rigby and Jason Flemyng star in the final of Charlie Brooker’s
second trilogy of sci-fi satires. A loudmouth cartoon character stands at a by-election.
Monday 25 February – 10pm – Channel 4.
Heading Out: Sue Perkins writes and stars
in a new sitcom chronicling the escapades of a 40-year old vet who has completely
and utterly failed to tell her parents that she is gay despite many opportunities
over the years. Tuesday 26 February – 10pm – BBC2.
Lightfields: Following on from
last year’s ‘Marchlands’, ITV’s new supernatural drama sees Kris Marshall as the
co-owner of a Suffolk B&B where the repercussions of events in 1975 and 1944 are
still felt. Wednesday 27 February – 9pm – ITV.
16-02-2012 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
The BBC has announced that the 50th anniversary special of ‘Doctor Who’ will be in 3D. No news on the actual content yet but the special hour-long episode is due to be broadcast on the actual anniversary on Saturday 23 November on the BBC HD channel as well as a standard HD version on BBC1 HD.
It’s not the first time that the series has been given the 3D treatment. A one-off Children-in-Need edition was made in the 90s featuring all the surviving Doctors as well as a plethora of companions and monsters together with some of the stars of EastEnders. A trailer for Matt Smith’s first series was also made in 3D and screened at cinemas. The Doctor Who production will be one of the last to be made as part of the corporation’s two-year experiment into the viability of the medium.
‘The Hour’ has been axed. Despite gaining many awards, the second series of the 1950s drama about the production of a TV news programme on the BBC broadcast late last year failed to gain high ratings.
There is to be a new family drama series to replace ‘Merlin’ on Saturday nights. ‘Atlantis’ is a about to start filming in Wales and Morroco and will do for Greek myths what ‘Merlin’ did for the Arthurian legends. According to the official BBC announcement… "The city of Atlantis is a mysterious, ancient place; a world of bull leaping, of snake haired goddesses and of palaces so vast it was said they were built by giants. It's into this strange, compelling realm that the young Jason arrives and an amazing adventure begins, bringing to life the vast store of Greek myths and legends re-imagined for a new generation." The series has been devised by ‘Misfits’ creator Howard Overman and will debut this autumn.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
The New Avengers: Sneaking back in the daytime schedules last week was the classic seventies revival of ‘The Avengers’ which featured the return of Patrick Macnee as super secret agent John Steed joined by a young Joanna Lumley as sidekick Purdey and the late Gareth Hunt as Mike Gambit. The series continues to air weekdays. Monday 18 February – 11.50am and 4.50pm – ITV4.
666 Park Avenue: Despite it’s axing in the US, the supernatural drama makes its way to British television. Rachel Taylor stars as one half of a couple that find themselves working as building managers of a rather mysterious hotel in Manhattan. Tuesday 19 February – 10pm – ITV2.
Jack Taylor: Iain Glenn plays the title role in the first of three crime dramas based on the novels by Ken Bruen. Taylor is a hard drinking, former cop (as they usually are) who has turned to seeking missing persons for a living. His first assignment sees him hunting for a missing daughter and uncovering some dark secrets in his Galway home town. Thursday 21 February – 9pm – Channel 5.
10-02-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK: ITV have commissioned a remake of ‘Thunderbirds’. The classic sixties puppet series is to return to CITV in a brand new series of 39 episodes which will mix live-action settings with cutting edge CGI. The show will be a co-production with noted film director Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshop who will provide the technical expertise to create the 21st world of International Rescue. A CGI version of the show has been on the cards for many years and was one of the final projects that creator Gerry Anderson was involved with before his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s and passing late last year. The new show will debut in 2014.
More information has emerged about the CW’s remake of ‘The Tomorrow People’. Although set in New York, the series will take on more elements of the original show than was first thought – and certainly more in keeping with the seventies version than the re-imagining that ITV broadcast in the nineties. The format will see teenagers John, Stephen and Caro (sic) fighting to protect their identities as the next stage of human evolution from a disused subway station in the Big Apple. Jeopardy will be provided by a character called Jedikiah – though in this new version he will be the head of a secret scientific organisation out to capture the Tomorrow People and harness their powers instead of the shape-changing robot he was in the original series. The CW has commissioned a pilot episode and, if successful, will see a full series air in the Fall.
The current series of ‘Being Human’ will be the last. The BBC has formerly announced the ending of the supernatural drama that is currently running on BBC Three.
The BBC has been given the go ahead for a trial involving debuting TV shows online before their transmission. Up to 40 hours of new programming will be made available during the 12-month trial though no specific titles have been revealed. The BBC has experimented with original content on their iPlayer in the past year with successes for mini-episodes of popular shows like ‘Casualty’ and ‘Doctor Who’.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Black Mirror – Be Right Back: A new run for Charlie Brooker’s SF anthology dramas debuts with a cautionary tale about social networking sites. When a tragic accident sees Martha (Hayley Atwell) lose her boyfriend, she signs up to an online service, which claims to be able to recreate him from the data he’s left behind on the internet. Monday 11 February – 10pm – Channel 4.
Dallas: Mentioned again in the programme highlights only because it uses the old episode title cliché ‘Sins of the Father’ for this week’s offering. Catch it while you can, as the current series will be moving to a late night slot from next week due to disappointing ratings. Tuesday 12 February – 9pm – Channel 5.
Friday Night Lights: The UK premiere of the fourth season sees Coach Taylor struggling to pull his new team together. Tuesday 12 February – 8pm – Sky Atlantic.
08-02-2013 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine:
In EastEnders, Bianca’s temper gets the better of her as Liam’s bad behaviour continues – but Shirley reckons she’s only get herself to blame! Also, Abi and Jay have a memorable Valentine’s Day, AJ’s concerned about depressed brother Masood, and Kat thanks Alfie for his help – is a reconciliation on the cards?
On Coronation Street, Tyrone and Fiz are hiding out in Wales, while Kirsty makes a public appeal for the safe return of her daughter! Elsewhere, Owen and Anna come to blows over how to deal with Faye, and Sylvia has a crazy proposition for Roy…
Over in Emmerdale, Ashley makes a decision after Gabby is caught drinking alcohol at school, Rachel admits her true feelings for Sam, and Cain is jealous when Moira flirts with a punter at The Woolpack. Meanwhile, Alicia is determined to make David and Priya’s wedding a day to remember…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Brendan and Ste are horrified when Amy returns to the village, Carmel is rescued from a humiliating situation, while Ruby and Sinead face facts. Also, Carl reveals all to Mitzeee, then asks her for a massive favour…
31-01-2013 -TV NEWS OF THE WEEK:
The BBC has announced casting for its docudrama about the origins of Doctor Who. ‘An Adventure in Space and Time’ will star David Bradley as William Hartnell. Bradley is famous to genre fans as the caretaker of Hogwarts School, Filch, in the Harry Potter movies and appeared in Doctor Who itself last year as the evil Solomon in the episode ‘Dinosaurs on a Spaceship’. He will be join by renowned Scots character actor Brian Cox as the BBC’s Head of Drama Sydney Newman: the man credited with coming up for the initial idea for ‘Doctor Who’. Cox can currently be seen in BBC4’s comedy series ‘Bob Servant Independent’ playing the title role. ‘Doctor Who’s first producer Verity Lambert will be portrayed by ‘Call the Midwife’s Jessica Raine who can also be seen in an episode of new series that debuts this Easter. “The History Boys’s Sacha Dhawan will play Waris Hussein, who directed the very first adventure ‘An Unearthly Child’. ‘An Adventure in Space and Time’ is currently filming in Wimbledon and will debut on BBC2 on Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary on Saturday 23 November.
The US station, the CW, has ordered a pilot for a remake of the cult ITV sci-fi series ‘The Tomorrow People’. Greg Berlanti and Julie Plec – two writers whose previous form includes working on the same channels’ ‘The Vampire Diaries’, will helm the re-imagining. ‘The Tomorrow People’, about a group of teenagers with telepathic abilities, originally aired on ITV as a children’s drama during the seventies. It was also remade in the 90s. No further news about casting or how the format will be adapted has been released as of yet though it is known the new version drops the definite article of the original’s title and will be called simply ‘Tomorrow People’.
The BBC has commissioned a second series of its historical crime drama ‘Ripper Street’. Eight new episodes will debut in 2014. The first series continues to earn respectable ratings against ITV’s ‘Mr. Selfridge’ on Sunday nights.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Dancing on the Edge: Stephen Poliakoff’s new drama depicts the effect a group of black jazz musicians has on the lives of young aristocrats in 1930s Britain. The all-star cast includes current Doctor Who companion Jenna-Louise Coleman and Merlin’s Angel Coulby along with John Goodman, Mel Smith and Caroline Quentin. Monday 04 February – 9pm – BBC2.
Last Resort: The final episode of the US political thriller sees a violent battle erupt on the Colorado. However this first season ends, don’t expect any more as the series has been cancelled in the US. Tuesday 05 February – 8pm – Sky1
The Spa: A new comedy series starring ‘The Thick of It’s Rebecca Front as the manageress of a health club. Written by Derren Litten, who also created ITV’s ‘Benidorm’, the show also features Tim Healy and Cheryl Fergison in her first regular role since leaving EastEnders where she played the doomed Heather. Thursday 07 February – 9pm – Sky Living.
27-01-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK: 1980s movie ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ is set to be turned into a TV series. Eddie Murphy will be reprising his role as unconventional cop Axel Foley in a pilot in production for CBS. The series will centre round Foley’s son played by Brandon T. Jackson. Jackson’s character will also be a cop living in the shadow of his illustrious father. Murphy is also an executive producer on the producer and is expected to appear occasionally on the full series if the pilot goes down well.
Watch has purchased the US version of BBC3’s ‘Being Human’ to air later this year. The series is broadcast by SyFy in the US, who are currently airing its third season. It stars Sam Huntington, Meaghan Rath and Sam Witwer as the three reluctant housemates who just happen to be a vampire, a ghost and a werewolf. The original British series will shortly air its fifth series and is due to premiere on BBC3 on Sunday 3 February at 10pm.
The second season of the revived ‘Dallas’ begins this week on Channel 5. The death of star Larry Hagman will be incorporated into the current run of 16 episodes. Hagman filmed five episodes before falling ill and his sudden passing meant that future scripts had to hastily rewritten. JR Ewing’s funeral will occur in episode eight with many characters from the original series paying their respects including ones yet to appear in the new show. Executive Producer Cynthia Cidre has promised that JR’s passing will develop into a storyline that will in many ways pay homage to the classic “Who Shot JR” plot from the eighties run.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Dallas: The second series begins where the first left off as John Ross and Christopher clash over the future of Ewing Industries. (See above). Tuesday 29 January – 9pm – Channel 5.
Derek: After debuting with a controversially received pilot, Ricky Gervais’ bittersweet comedy about a helper at a nursing home returns for a full series. The series mixes Gervais’ trademark humour with sentimentality that creates a somewhat ‘marmite’ style production that you’ll either love or hate with a vengeance. Wednesday 30 January – 10pm – Channel 4.
Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe: The acid mouthed Guardian journalist and Lord of media students everywhere returns with a new series. Based on his BBC4 series, Brooker has come up with a new broader palette as he takes on the week’s politics, media and anything else his gun sight might care to pick out. Thursday 31 January – 10pm – BBC2.
18-01-2013 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, Zainab and Denise go head to head for a job, Lola decides to seek legal advice over the future of baby Lexi, and Ava doesn’t want son Dexter hanging around in Walford much longer. Elsewhere, will Kirsty do as Max asks and sign the divorce papers?
Over in Coronation Street, it’s Tyrone and Kirsty’s wedding day. But will the ceremony go ahead? Has Miss Soames rumbled Mr Dobbs’s affair with Fiz? Also, there’s a spark of romance for Tracy and Rob, Lewis tries to trick Gail, and Anna is shocked when she discovers who Faye has made contact with…
In Emmerdale, Jai is heartbroken as he watches Sam play happy families with Rachel and baby Archie. Meanwhile, Moira tries to mend bridges with Cain and Chas, Dom is fuming when Debbie dupes him, and Priya gets the wrong end of the stick and thinks David has proposed to her…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, distressed Esther is convinced there’s only one escape from her misery – will anyone be able to get to the bullied teen before it’s too late. Also, Mercedes is faced with an indecent proposal, and a mysterious figure returns from Brendan’s past!
13-01-2013: TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
They may not be appearing in a television special to celebrate Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary but all five classic series Doctors will join forces in a special audio adventure. Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann will be joined by their respective companions in ‘The Light at the End’ written by Nicholas Briggs. Briggs, currently the voice of both the Daleks and the Cybermen in the television series, also suggested cryptically that the first three Doctors William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee may also be contributing the celebration, "It's wonderful that all the surviving Doctors threw themselves behind the project so enthusiastically.” He said, “That's not to say the first three Doctors don't appear - we wanted to pay homage to the whole history of the classic series." The new adventure will be released on CD in November.
Former professional footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones is joining the cast of CBS’s take on Sherlock Holmes, ‘Elementary’. He will play a villain known only as ‘M’. It’s been suggested that the ‘M’ may well stand for ‘Moriarty’. Stay tuned…
What appears to be the final season of ‘Dexter’ will debut on FX in the US earlier than expected in June. The producers of the show have always suggested that the series about a serial killer who works for the Miami police department would end after eight runs. There’s no official confirmation whether the makers have changed their mind.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Yes, Prime Minister: The new series of Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn’s eighties sitcom debuts starring David Haig and Henry Goodman in the lead roles of Jim Hacker MP and Sir Humphrey. In the first episode, Hacker has to get to grips with the possibility of leading coalition government after a particularly gruelling general election. Tuesday 15 January – 9pm – GOLD.
Beauty and the Beast: Another remake of the classic fairy tale designed to appeal to fans of the Twilight saga. Kirstin Kreuk (from Smallville) stars in the Belle role whilst a far-too-handsome Jay Ryan is The Beast. Wednesday 16 January – 9pm – Watch.
Fringe: In a simulcast with Fox in the US, Sky1 airs the final two instalments back-to-back in the early hours of Saturday morning. As their plan to overthrow the Observers is in jeopardy, the team find assistance from old friends and Walter faces a terrible decision. Friday 18 January – 1.10am – Sky1.
13-01-2012 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine:
In EastEnders, Lauren discovers Tanya didn’t attend her hospital appointment, Lola is gutted when Dexter reacts badly to the fact she’s got a baby, and Roxy and Alfie step things up a gear! Meanwhile, Dot returns home and is shocked to find Lauren and Joey getting jiggy on her sofa!
Over in Coronation Street, David discovers that Kylie’s pregnant – but she’s on her way to the abortion clinic. Will he find her and stop her before she goes through with terminating their baby? Also, Carla vows to get to the bottom of Rob’s meddling, and Tyrone has a shock proposal for secret lover Fiz…
In Emmerdale, Megan confesses her plan to fleece Declan, Paddy’s irritated by Vanessa, Alicia reveals to Val that she’s still in love with David, and Jimmy wants Nicola to give Thomas a second chance. Elsewhere, Cain is concerned that Debbie is in over her head…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Leanne’s excited about her date with John Paul, Jen offers Tilly an olive branch, and Myra decides to tell everyone what she thinks of them! Meanwhile, as a critically ill Will lies in hospital, Texas blames herself for his injuries.
06-01-2013 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
Doctor Who’s fiftieth anniversary this year has already seen several announcements regarding special events. The Royal Mail has released details of a series of first class stamps featuring each of the 11 actors to have portrayed the Time Lord. They, along with four featuring monsters from the show, will be released In March. The BBC is also planning a series of short stories available as downloads and written by some of the country’s top children’s authors. Puffin books will collect them together to release as a one-off paperback later in the year. There’s still no word as to the nature of the television show’s appearance over the actual anniversary on Saturday 23rd November.
With the classic eighties sitcom ‘Yes, Prime Minister’ returning to television in the coming months courtesy of Gold, co-author Jonathan Lynn has revealed the comeback – based on a recent successful theatre run – was originally turned down by the BBC. “They wanted a pilot before they would commit to a full series” stated Lynn. The six-part series was finally given a home by UKTV’s Gold where the original shows have enjoyed several re-runs over the years. The new episodes star Henry Goodman as Sir Humphrey and David Haig as Prime Minister Jim Hacker both of who played the roles in the stage version.
Finally, a newly discovered Brazilian bee has been named in honour of Sheldon Cooper, the nerdy scientist played by actor Jim Parsons in the cult comedy ‘The Big Bang Theory’. Its name – ‘Euglossa bazinga’ – echoes the ‘Bazinga’ catchphrase used by Dr Cooper to demonstrate his success at cracking a joke as his friends’ expense.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Lewis – Down Among the Fearful (1/2): Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox return in the spin-off detective series. After being involved in a car crash Lewis and Hathaway find themselves investigating the death of a psychic. The second half of this (oddly) split tale is broadcast the following Monday. Monday 7 January – 9pm – ITV1.
Primeval: New World: The visceral spin-off from ITV’s hugely popular adventure series makes its UK debut. The setting has moved to metropolitan Vancouver in Canada and a new team is formed to track the mysterious time anomalies… but will they heed the warning from a familiar face? Tuesday 8 January – 9pm – Watch.
The Sky at Night: The previous Sunday night’s edition gets an extended showing on BBC4. In Sir Patrick Moore’s final edition recorded shortly before his death, the groundbreaking astronomer poignantly offers advice for the next generation of stargazers lucky enough to have had telescopes and binoculars as Christmas presents. Thursday 10 January – 7.30pm – BBC4.
23-12-2012 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK
Last Friday (21st December) saw the end of an era on BBC1 as teatime children’s programming came to an end. Kids programming will now only be shown on the CBBC and Cbeebies digital channels from January. The BBC had already shifted its flagship magazine show ‘Blue Peter’ to CBBC earlier in the year and the move will free up space for a revamped daytime schedule in the New Year.
Over at ITV, celebrations are underway to mark the thirtieth anniversary of Children’s ITV. Over the weekend of January 5th and 6th, the CITV channel will clear its schedules to screen classic shows from the past three decades including ‘The Tomorrow People’, ‘Dangermouse’, ‘T-Bag’ and the Steven Moffat school drama, ‘Press Gang.
Sky 1 is to screen the final ever episodes of ‘Fringe’ in a simulcast with US station Fox on Saturday 19th January from 1.10am. The satellite channel had already done a similar broadcast for the climax of ‘Lost’ in 2010. ‘Fringe’ will come to an end with a two-hour finale, which will also mark the show’s 100th episode. ‘An Enemy of Fate’ will also be screened in the series’ usual time slot the following Wednesday at 10pm.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Doctor Who: The Snowmen
New companion… New TARDIS… New title sequence… New theme music… As a prelude to the show’s fiftieth anniversary in the New Year, the Time Lord returns with a fresh new-look for his now traditional Christmas special. Matt Smith is joined by new sidekick Jenna-Louise Coleman and a villainous Richard E. Grant. With snow falling from a cloudless sky on Victorian London, can the Doctor’s friends coax him back into action when the villainous Dr. Simeon unleashes a terrifying threat to the world…Tuesday 25 December– 5.15pm – BBC1
The Girl: Sienna Miller is Tippi Hedren and Toby Jones is Alfred Hitchcock in this TV dramatisation telling the story of the great director’s obsession with the star of his 1960s horror thriller, ‘The Birds’. Wednesday 26 December – 9pm – BBC2
Panto!: Comedian John Bishop writes and stars in this comedy drama as a commercial radio DJ who is facing his pantomime debut in a chaotic production of Dick Whittington. Sheridan Smith, Samantha Spiro and Kenneth Cranham also star. Thursday 27 December – 9pm – ITV1
16-12-2012 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK:
The next batch of Doctor Who episodes will air in April 2013. The eight remaining ones of series seven have been confirmed for a spring airdate though a specific day has yet to be revealed. The series will include adventures by Mark Gatiss, Stephen Thompson, Neil Gaiman and Neil Cross with the final episode by Steven Moffat which will lead directly into a cliffhanger that will be resolved in an anniversary special to air later in the year. 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the show’s debut and will also be marked by a one-off docu-drama chronicling the events surrounding the creation of the series in 1963.
The BBC has commissioned a second series of its romantic drama ‘Last Tango in Halifax’. The first run which reaches its climax this week, stars Anne Reid and Sir Derek Jacobi as two old friends, who rediscover their love for each other on a social networking site after decades out of touch.
The BBC has also axed the sitcom ‘Me and Mrs Jones’. Starring Neil Morrisey and Sarah Alexander, the comedy drama met with indifference from critics and low ratings in its Friday night slot from the start.
The US government has brought in a law that limits the volume of television commercials. A major bugbear of viewers for many years, many television stations have brought up the volume of TV ads to make them more noticeable resulting in complaints. The new legislation states that the volume of an ad must now be the same as the programme that it appears in. In the UK, although there is no law, channels that continually alter the sound can be reported to Ofcom and action can be taken against them through warnings and fines.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:
American Horror Story: Asylum - In a festive special, the inhabitants of Briarclif prepare a unique Christmas tree as they await the arrival of Santa Claus… with the usual horrifying consequences. Tuesday 18 December– 10pm – FX
The Christmas No 1 Story - As the big day approaches, a look back to the way that the Christmas No 1 has become one of the many modern traditions of the ever evolving festive period with contributions from Johnny Mathis, Rolf Harris, Midge Ure, Shakin’ Stevens, Noddy Holder and many others. Wednesday 20 December – 9pm – BBC2
Merlin - In the first episode the two-part series finale, Morgana prepares to use her new discovered information about Emrys the Sorcerer as part of bloody attack on Camelot. The final ever episode airs on Christmas Eve at 8.15pm. Will Merlin finally get to tell Arthur the secret he’s been harbouring since they first met? Saturday 22 December – 7.55pm – BBC1
15-12-2012 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine. In EastEnders, Alfie follows Kat when she goes to meet her fancy man – and as he catches them together… Also, Max discovers that Tanya knew all about Lauren and Joey’s relationship, Zainab makes a bad first impression with Ayesha, and cash-strapped Bianca worries about paying for Christmas…
In Coronation Street, Leanne’s feelings for Peter resurface when they take Simon ice-skating, Eva tries to manipulate ex-boyfriend Nick, and Karl’s consumed with jealousy. Meanwhile, Tyrone and Fiz start an affair – but Kirsty’s suspicious and gives her frightened fiancé a severe beating…
In Emmerdale, Jai finally gets to meet his new son, Archie, but is left devastated when Rachel says he can’t have any more to do with him. Also, Chas’s trail gets under way, Jacob’s over the moon to see Alicia again, and Moira tries to pluck up the courage to tell Adam about her relationship with Cain…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Dodger gets ready to pop the question to Texas, Brendan meetsJohn Paul McQueen, and Carmel has doubts about her romance with Barney. Elsewhere, Mitzeee and Maxine join forces to exact their revenge on stripper Tyson.
09-12-2012 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK:
Comedian Peter Kay has revealed that he wants to make another series of ‘Phoenix Nights’. Talking to Danny Baker in a recent Channel 4 interview, the comedian said he can’t want to return to the role of wheelchair-bound night club owner Brian Potter. Although no firm commissioning for a new run has been announced, he stated that he can’t stop writing down ideas for new scripts.
Jonathan Creek is to return to BBC1 in the new year for a one-off ninety minute special. Alan Davies and Sheridan Smith will once more star as the quirky detective and his reluctant sidekick in a script by series creator David Renwick. Filming will begin shortly on ‘The Clue of the Savant’s Thumb’ for a proposed Easter bank holiday airdate in 2013.
The BBC has finally bowed to pressure from actor’s union Equity over the way it displays the end credits of TV programmes. The channel, together with other stations, has been criticised in the past for making the end titles illegible through the process of ‘credit squeezing’ in order to trail upcoming programmes. Equity has revealed research suggesting it is both unpopular with the majority of viewers who wish to discover the names of actors who have appeared in shows. As part of their solution, the BBC has stated that at least one episode of its drama and comedy shows will have full credits displayed and that special shows like tributes and ones that make artistic use of end titles will also be left to run clean. Sky television and ITV have also stated their intention to ensure that credits will be able to be read by viewers.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Little Crackers: Sky One begins a run of its now annual festive treat of short biographical films directed by celebrities. The new series debuts with a piece by Joanna Lumley who flashes back to the late sixties during the time when she was beginning a career as a model. The series continues nightly throughout the week. Monday 10 December– 9pm – Sky One.
The Hour: The fifties media drama reaches its climax with the final two episodes broadcasting over Wednesday and Thursday night. As Freddie and Hector delve deeper into the crimes of Raphael Clineti, it becomes apparent that one of their own team is to be the subject of a newspaper sea scandal. Wednesday 12 December – 9pm – BBC2.
Timeshift – Wrestling’s Golden Age: Grapples, Grunts & Grannies: A nostalgic return to the Saturday afternoons of the 1970s, when live wrestling drew millions of viewers from young children to elderly grannies. This Timeshift documentary chronicles the history of the ‘sport’ from the Victorian music halls to bizarre showbiz world of ‘Big Daddy’ alias Shirley Crabtree! Thursday 13 December – 9pm – BBC4
01-12-2012 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK:
After the success of the recent tenth series of ‘Red Dwarf’ on Dave, plans are already underway for another despite the producers not receiving a firm commission from the digital channel. According to star Danny John Jules, writer Doug Naylor is already hard at work on six new scripts for the show. Jules says that the show’s co-creator doesn’t want to be in the same position he was during the production of the last series having to constantly rewrite the scripts to accommodate changes in production schedules.
MTV have axed the US adaptation of C4’s ‘The inbetweeners’ after only 12 episodes. Viewing figures in the US have been disappointing despite the show being heavily promoted. The series is due to air in the UK on E4 from this week.
Being Human writer and creator Toby Whithouse is putting pen to paper for a new BBC1 Cold War thriller. The six-part drama set in the seventies will air in late 2013.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
The Fear: A new four-part drama shown over consecutive nights, sees a Brighton underworld boss under threat from a rival Albanian crime family. Stars Peter Mullan. Monday 3 December– 10pm – Channel 4
The Town: Andrew Scott, who won a BAFTA for his portrayal of Moriarty in the BBC’s Sherlock, heads a starry cast in this three-part drama. A family tragedy brings Mark back to his home town after ten years away and opens old wounds. Wednesday 5 December – 9pm – ITV
The Inbetweeners USA: The popular C4 sitcom gets a stateside makeover. Many of the best jokes will be familiar to viewers of the original version but the whole effort seems to have been in vain – twelve episodes is all you’ll get. Wednesday 5 December – 10pm – E4
30-11-2012 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days (week commencing 03 December 2012), brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, Alfie suspects foul play when Jean reveals that has Kat has had a mystery phone call, Cora pays Ava another visit, and Shirley returns to surprise Sharon and Phil. Meanwhile, Joey crushes Lucy when he admits he’s in love with someone else…
In Coronation Street, Tommy is mortified when Norris reveals Tina’s pregnancy – but will Tom admit that the baby’s not him? Also, Chesney is intrigued by Tyrone’s behaviour, Gail advises Kylie to be honest with David, and Leanne reaches an important decision about her wedding…
In Emmerdale, Laurel questions whether she’s made a mistake with Marlon, Moira tries to stop her fling with Cain, and Jimmy offers Cameron money for Chas’s huge legal costs. Elsewhere, Bernice is left in bits when Steve tells her he’s going back to his wife…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, it’s Mercedes’s trial – her brief, Jim, pulls out all the stops but will anyone believe Mitzeee’s version of events? Meanwhile, Bart is thrilled to learn that Sinead’s pregnant, Doug and Ste struggle to cope with family life, and Carmel receives attention from an unlikely admirer.
25-11-2012 - Sky 1’s “Mad Dogs’ is reportedly to get a US makeover. The crime series about a group of middle-aged men, who are drawn into a life of crime and corruption whilst holidaying in Majorica, has been a major success for the satellite channel running for two series with a third in pipeline. It stars Philip Glennister, John Simm, Max Beesley and Marc Warren. The creator of ‘The Shield’, Shawn Ryan, is developing the US version as a mini-series.
The BBC has commissioned a new two-part drama based on events of the great train robbery in 1963. The drama will reunite former Torchwood and Doctor Who writer Chris Chibnall and director James Strong who both won plaudits for their ‘United’, which chronicled the events of the Munich air crash that claimed the lives of many of the Manchester United football team in 1958.
The 2012 Autumn TV season has claimed its first victims. ‘Last Resort’ which tells the story of a US submarine going rogue has been axed whilst the supernatural drama ‘666 Park Avenue’ also won’t see out its first season. The latter saw its New York sets flooded in the wake of Superstorm Sandy earlier this month. ‘666 Park Avenue’ is due to air in the UK on ITV2 in the new year.
24-11-2012 - TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Fresh Meat: The comedy about a bunch of university students reaches the finale of its second successful run as the young flat sharers reach all-out war. Tuesday 27 November – 22.00 – Channel 4
More Old Jews Telling Jokes: In a follow-up to the original ‘Old Jews Telling Jokes’, more elderly Jewish Americans sit in front of a white background and do what it says in the title with hilarious consequences. Wednesday 28 November – 22.00 – BBC4
The Secret Life of Rubbish: BBC4 gives us another novel documentary series in which the history of waste collection in the UK is told from the end of the Second World War. Thursday 29 November – 21.00 – BBC4
24-11-2012 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine…
In EastEnders, Lauren and Joey escape from the wreckage of the crash unscathed, angry Cora tells Patrick she’ll never forgive him for informing Tanya about her secret sister, and Abi is worried about Jay’s looming court date. Meanwhile, Kat’s mystery lover arranges for Alfie to go to Cologne so he can have Kat all to himself…
In Coronation Street, David’s baby-making schedule begins to irritate Kylie, Tommy is increasingly troubled by Tina’s pregnancy, and there’s a spark of attraction between Stella and Jason. Also, Kirsty’s abuse of Tyrone gets worse – so he prepares to flee Weatherfield with baby Ruby…
In Emmerdale, Katie’s life hangs in the balance as the mineshaft begins to fill up with water – will anyone find her before it’s too late? Elsewhere, Laurel is annoyed by Bernice parenting skills, Declan loses his rag with Nikhil, and former lovers Cain and Moira give in to the growing sexual tension…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Ste returns from the hospital – but will Doug tell him about Brendan? Nana McQueen bribes Barney to date Carmel, Texas turns to Will in her hour of need, and Mitzeee is sick of sister Maxine. Also, Ally reels in Lacey, but they’re caught in the act by a furious Callum and Ash!
19-11-202 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine:
In EastEnders, Tanya discovers where Ava works and decides to visit her – but keeps quiet about who she really is! Meanwhile, Poppy thinks she’s falling for pal Fat Boy, and tragedy strikes when cousins Joey and Lauren attempt to flee Albert Square…
In Coronation Street, devious Kylie and Eva encourage Nick to pop the question to Leanne – but will the plan backfire? Elsewhere, evil Kirsty lands Fiz in A&E after she tampers with a sewing machine, and Sophie returns home – but is she out of the woods yet?
In Emmerdale, Diane and Ashley are suspicious as Bernice arrives back in the village – but she soon confesses the real reason she’s returned. Also, Cain has revenge on his mind, Jimmy and Charity come to an agreement, and Declan and Katie’s fight ends with her trapped in a mineshaft…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Lacey seeks comfort in the arms of Ally – but Martha is out to prove that he’s a lying scumbag! Meanwhile, Dodger receives some news about his biological dad, Carmel struggles to settle back into village life, and Myra makes things worse for Pheobe…
18-11-2012 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK:
A pilot for a US version of ‘Have I Got News For You’ has recently been recorded. Commisioned by American cable station TBS, the show follows the same format as the UK show with presenter US comedian Sam Seder joined by Chris Rock’s cousin Sherrod Small and screenwriter Michael Ian Black as team captains. Seder had previously fronted an earlier attempt to bring the series to US television.
There are early plans afoot for a big screen version of ‘Dad’s Army’. The series co-creator Jimmy Perry announced the news at a recent meeting of the Dad’s Army Appreciation Society. He also revealed that there was a distinct possibility that Captain Mainwaring would be re-cast as woman. Perry will have no involvement in the film with the deal being handled wholly by his agent.
ITV has axed Monroe. The medical drama starring James Nesbitt in the title role has not been commissioned for a further series after poor ratings for the recently broadcast second series.
FX is to be rebranded in the new year. The station, originally launched in 2004, will become simply Fox. The station will continue to debut new US drama such as ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Dexter’ but will add comedy to its output with titles like ‘Men at Work’ and ‘Louie’ having their UK debut. The news comes as one of FX’s most popular and critically acclaimed recent shows, ‘American Horror Story’, has been commissioned for a third season in 2013. The cast, setting and subtitle for it has yet to be announced.
TV PREVIEW OF THE WEEK:
Primeval: New World (Coming soon to Watch). ITV sneaked the final series of the original ‘Primeval’ back onto screens a few months back and it certainly looked as if the franchise was officially spent as far as the UK was concerned. However, the Canadian cable channel Space has come to its rescue and commissioned a spin-off entitled ‘Primeval: New World’ with the promise that it would be a more adult take on the theme of scientists versus dinosaurs.
The first few episodes have debuted already in Canada to mixed reviews. The dinosaurs are as good – if not better – than the parent show had. However, the format remains deceptively the same despite an injection of visceral carnage. Leading the new team is Evan Cross – played by Niall Matter – a millionaire software developer obsessed with the time anomalies that are coughing up creatures in his native Canada. The other members of the team include Dylan Weir – played by Sara Canning – a wildlife and conservation expert and Lt. Ken Leeds – played by Geoff Gustavson – head of the Canadian government’s Project Magnet. It’s Gustavson’s character that gives some much needed humour to contrast against the dour atmosphere that pervades this production.
Project Magnet is an under funded and ignored government department designed to collate UFOs and other strange phenomena and probably echoes the reality of the real military’s attitude to the subject. On the whole, the new series looks good but, judging from the early episodes, desperately needs to up-the-ante with its characters and story if it’s to survive beyond its initial run. No airdate has been officially announced for a UK premiere yet but its expected to appear on Watch sometime early in the new year.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:
Arrow: A well-dressed John Barrowman joins the regular cast as Oliver Queen is arrested for murder. (Monday 19 November – 20.00 – Sky1).
Last Tango in Halifax: Anne Reid and Sir Derek Jacobi play two old flames reunited after 60 years in this new six-part drama from Sally Wainwright. (Tuesday 20 November – 21.00 – BBC1).
American Horror Story Asylum: As the horror saga continues, Dr. Arden’s past is revealed when a famous diarist is checked into the asylum. (Tuesday 20 November – 22.00 – FX).
05-11-2012 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK:
Superstorm Sandy has hit production of a number of popular US shows. ‘Elementary’ and ’30 Rock” are two of the series that have been forced to suspend filming in New York whilst the sets of the new supernatural thriller ‘666 Park Avenue’ have reportedly been flooded. However, despite having no audience, David Letterman continued broadcasting his daily late night show throughout the chaos – much as he did during the events of 9/11 back in 2001.
‘The Paradise’ has been commissioned for a second series by the BBC. The drama – set in London’s first ever department store – is currently enjoying healthy ratings on Tuesday nights. A second run of eight episodes will air in 2013.
Former EastEnders star Tamsin Outhwaite is the latest guest star for the next batch of ‘Doctor Who’ episodes currently back in production. Filming has just started on the penultimate story of the seventh series written by Sci-fi legend Neil Gaiman. Also joining the cast is actor Calvin Dean. Although widely reported as appearing in the show, ‘X Factor’ reject Zoe Alexander’s role has been confirmed as merely a “supporting artist”.
Finally, Private Eye is reporting that the production team of Mark Gatiss’ ‘Doctor Who’ docu-drama about the early days of the sci-fi series have been instructed NOT to include scenes set in Television Centre dressing rooms. It comes in the wake of the current furore over the activities of former DJ Jimmy Savile in said rooms!
TV REVIEW OF THE WEEK:
Wizards vs Aliens (Mondays and Tuesdays – 5.15pm – CBBC): Produced to fill the gap left by the premature axing of ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’ after the death of its star Elisabeth Sladen, Russell T Davies and Phil Ford’s ‘Wizards Vs Aliens’ debuted this week in time for Halloween. The plot sees the alien Necross arrive on Earth in search of magic – which they feed on.
Defending the planet is plucky young wizard Tom Clarke (who doesn’t believe in aliens from outer space) and his nerdy mate Benny Sherwood (who thinks Tom is a ‘magician’ – which he isn’t!). Adding to the cast is former ‘Doctor Who’ Slitheen, Annette Badland as Tom’s befuddled but over enthusiastic grandmother. The series opener is, as one would expect, light on plot but heavy on spectacle revealing several fun running gags… The wizard family secret magic chamber is disguised as the downstairs loo! The series certainly has the energy of its predecessor with the only downside being that the basic idea seems to be one dreamed up purely to appeal to programme commissioners rather than the kids themselves.
Its certainly got potential and, given that at least two series of episodes have already been commissioned, it doesn’t take a crystal ball to see that it will run for at least the foreseeable future.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Some Girls: The latest in BBC3’s seemingly never-ending glut of “new comedy” sees teenager Viva facing up to adult life on a London estate when she decides to leave home. (Tuesday 6 November – 10pm – BBC3)
American Horror Story: Asylum 2/13: The UK debut of the second season continues as Lana finds herself trapped in the asylum. Meanwhile, a possessed teenager arrives and a horrifying exorcism takes place leading to dire and far-reaching consequences for all concerned. (Tuesday 6 November – 10pm – FX)
The Comic Strip Presents… Five Go to Rehab: Reunited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original ‘Comic Strip’ series, Peter Richardson, Adrian Edmondson, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French return to the characters they played in the original episode that debuted on the opening night of Channel 4 back in 1982. Julian, George, Ann, Dick and the ever- licky Timmy the dog face the fact that they are now older and that there’s no longer a place in the world for lashings of ginger pop! (Wednesday 7 November – 9pm – Gold)
03-11-2012 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine:
In EastEnders, fake couple Phil and Sharon put on a convincing performance forsocial services, the B&B’s kitchen is closed down, and Michael invites Roxy to move in with him, no strings attached. Also, Amira arrives and announces to Syed that she’s getting married… and wants baby Yasmin back!
In Coronation Street, Maria is revealed when Marcus insists he doesn’t want to move away with boyfriend Aiden, Gail tries to make amends with mum Audrey, and Ken and Deirdre want to inject some passion into their lives. Meanwhile, Stella is seething as Gloria’s cheating ways are exposed…
In Emmerdale, Megan is determined to play Declan at his own game, Lizzie confesses about her night with Dan, and Paddy misses his friendship with Marlon – and he soon puts his career on the line to help his former pal. Also, Gennie reveals toDebbie that she knew all about Chas and Cameron’s affair…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Lacey develops a crush on Ally, while Joe gets on the wrong side of the law, and Brendan tries to reconnect with Cheryl. Elsewhere, Mitzeee’s sister Maxine arrives in the village – but can they put their troubled past relationship behind them?
26-10-2012 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK:
The Great British Bake-Off’s Sue Perkins is penning a new sitcom for the BBC. ‘Holding Out’ is about a vet (played by Perkins) who is given the ultimatum by her friends that she must ‘come out’ to her parents before she turns 40. Starring alongside her are Jeff Rawle (‘Drop the Dead Donkey’) and Steve Pemberton (‘The League of Gentlemen’, ‘Benidorm’, ‘Whitechapel’) with ‘EastEnders’ June Brown and comedienne Dawn French guest starring. The six-part series is due to air next year.
In the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal, the BBC has pulled this Monday’s ‘New Tricks’. The episode deals with an institutional paedophile gang and has been replaced by the final one of the current run. There is no word on whether the originally scheduled episode will air in the near future.
Both ‘Arrow’ and ‘Elementary’ have now been confirmed as having full first seasons. Healthy ratings for both show in the US, meant that the originally announced runs of 13 episodes are now being extended to full ones of 22. The two shows made their UK debuts earlier this week on Sky1.
TV REVIEW OF THE WEEK:
Elementary (Tuesdays - 22.00 – Sky Living)
There was quite a controversy when CBS originally announced their update of the Sherlock Holmes stories last year. After dining with the producers of the BBC’s ‘Sherlock’, the network decided to go it alone leaving ‘Sherlock’ creator Steven Moffat with a bit of a nasty taste in his mouth. Needless to say, they’ve patched things up and both production teams are quietly respecting each other’s work.
But is the new series which debuted on Sky Living earlier this week, as good as its BBC counterpart? It certainly has a number of superficial similarities. Holmes – a stand-out performance by the UK’s Jonny Lee Miller – is still a tortured genius with no people skills whatsoever but his Watson – played by Lucy Liu – has been re-imagined as a disgraced surgeon slumming it as a counsellor-cum-buddy for recovering addicts. Although the show works as a crime drama, it does lack a true connection to the Holmes canon. The stories are apparently all-new ones from the minds of the show’s writers giving it a generic feel – a sort of post-watershed Monk! It’s only the first episode though and it remains to be seen where the producers will take this particular man who calls himself 'Sherlock Holmes'.
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
50 Years of Bond Cars – A Top Gear Special: Richard Hammond takes viewers on a test drive of some of the iconic cars seen in the Bond movies over the past 50 years and meets current Bond Daniel Craig and the ever-suave Roger Moore along the way. (Monday 29 October – 21.00 – BBC2)
Horror Europa with Mark Gatiss - After his successful jaunt through the world of Hollywood horror last year, Mark Gatiss returns with a feature-length voyage through the excesses of European horror cinema. Don’t worry – The Human Centipede isn’t included… (Tuesday 30 October – 21.00 – BBC 4)
Cuckoo 6/6 - The new comedy starring The Inbetweeners’ Greg Davies as a father whose daughter returns from backpacking married to a Californian new age guru reaches it final episode. Rachel and Cuckoo discover that their beach wedding in Thailand may not have been as legal as they assumed. (Thursday 01 November – 21.30 – BBC 3)
22-10-2012 - As the seventh series of ‘Doctor Who’ continues location filming in central London (with Matt Smith and new girl Jenna-Louise Coleman astride a classic Triumph motorbike!), there’s been confirmation of the final writers for the remaining eight episodes. Sci-fi author Neil Gaiman - who the Hugo Award for ‘The Doctor’s Wife’ earlier this year - returns to pen another tale whilst ‘Luther’ creator Neil Cross contributes two adventures. The other writers are Mark Gatiss and Stephen Thompson whilst show runner Steven Moffat will be writing the opening and closing salvos. Series 7b is due to air in early 2013.
The BBC’s popular sitcom ‘Rev.’ is to be remade in the US. A series is currently under development by ABC with co-creator and star Tom Hollander acting as executive producer. The new version will be adapted by ‘Desperate Housewives’ producer Bob Daily.
It has been officially confirmed that season three of ‘Homeland’ WILL air on Channel 4 despite rumours that the show was actively being poached by Sky. The second season is currently running on Sundays.
Finally, ITV’s ‘This Morning’ was the victim of a hoax guest. A man claiming to run a “Celebrity Sperm Bank” who interviewed live by Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby was actually “an actor working for a television company”. The magazine producers were apparently unaware of the deceit and the man’s motives remain unclear at the moment.
DVD OF THE WEEK:
Doctor Who: The Claws of Axos Special Edition (DVD / BBC Worldwide)
Hot on the heels of the ‘The Ambassadors of Death’ comes another yarn from Jon Pertwee’s tenure as the Doctor. This we have a re-release for the 1971 adventure ‘The Claws of Axos’. And again, thanks to the wonders of ever-developing restoration technology, the entire four-part serial has been given another makeover.
The new version comes with a second disc full of extras including a new ‘Making Of’ documentary together with a somewhat bizarre little feature entitled ‘Life with Levene’ in which comedian Toby Hadoke spends a weekend with the eccentric man that is John Levene – famous to Who fans as Sergeant Benton. It’s an engaging piece that sadly serves to remind the viewer of the infamous ‘Louis Theroux Meets Jimmy Savile’ one in its style and agenda – though Mr Levene, despite his obvious eccentricities comes across much better than the then ageing DJ did… but these days, that’s no mean feat! (Available from Monday 22 October)
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Arrow 1/13
The latest superhero from the pages of DC Comics hits UK screens straight after its US debut. Stephen Amell stars as Oliver Queen alias Green Arrow in a brand new incarnation far removed from the character’s earlier appearance in ‘Smallville’. (Monday 22 October – 8pm – Sky1)
Elementary 1/13
Fox’s update of the Sherlock Holmes stories may have ruffled a few feathers when it was announced last year – not least from ‘Sherlock’ co-creator Steven Moffat. But things seem to have settled down since then and the new show looks to be quite engaging with Jonny Lee Miller as the great detective – transposed to present day New York – and Lucy Liu as Dr Joan Watson. (Tuesday 23 October – 10pm – Sky Living)
Fringe 1/13
The final season of ‘Fringe’ begins where episode 19 of the fourth one left off… It is the year 2036 and the Observers now control humanity. Peter, Walter and Astrid must locate Olivia; last heard from whilst under attack in New York in 2012. (Wednesday 24 October – 10pm – Sky1)
21-10-2012 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine:
In EastEnders, Syed and Christian get a nasty surprise when they return from honeymoon, Cora is devastated to hear shocking news about her long-lost daughter, and Lauren is smug as Lucy kicks Joey into touch. Meanwhile, Sharon is taken aback when Phil suggests they could be a couple…
In Coronation Street, Ryan gets down on bended knee and pops the question to Tracy! Also, Tommy struggles with Tina’s surrogacy plan, Lewis agrees to give Gloria a shoulder to cry on, and Sophie is involved in a tragic accident – she’s rushed to hospital, where the doctors have some shocking news…
In Emmerdale, the villagers are still trying to come to terms with last week’s tragic events – and there are explosive revelations following Carl’s death, but who’s telling the truth and who’s trying to save their own skin? Will the killer be uncovered?
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Ste’s suspicious when Brendan’s old pal Eoghan arrives in the village – what dark secrets from Mr Brady’s past are about to be revealed? Also, Jacqui rumbles Theresa and Joel, Tom develops a crush on Texas, and friends and family gather for Lynsey’s emotional funeral…
14-10-2012 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK:
Channel 4 is axing its T4 strand. The weekend format currently running on E4 during the weekend will continue until December when it will be replaced by “music-driven” programming.
Fox has delayed the second season of ‘Touch’ until 2013. Despite broadcasting a bonus episode last month, the channel has confirmed that new episodes will not be seen until January. The reason remains unspecified. The series is broadcast in the UK on Sky One.
James Cordon is teaming up with his ‘Gavin & Stacey’ co-star, Matthew Baynton, is write a new comedy thriller for the BBC. ‘The Wrong Mans’ sees two office workers caught up in a dangerous conspiracy. Filming will begin on the six-part series in January 2013.
DVD OF THE WEEK:
Doctor Who: The Ambassadors of Death (DVD / BBC Worldwide)
With the show’s 50th anniversary rapidly approaching, the BBC is coming to the end of its efforts to release restored versions of every available Doctor Who adventure. This means that some of the more problematic episodes are finally making their way onto DVD. The Ambassadors of Death is a 7-part story from Jon Pertwee’s first season. Originally broadcast in colour, the serial only survived as a black and white film recording in the corporation’s archive.
Colour from a damaged US home recording from the 70s has been used to return the serial to something akin to its original state but the quality is variable. It doesn’t however distract from the serial’s ambitious storyline, which chronicles the attempts by a misguided army general to prevent mankind’s first friendly contact with aliens. There’s plenty of James Bond style action and the story has a more adult sensibility than the preceding black and white 60s adventures.
The DVD contains two major features – a ‘making of’ documentary that emphasises the production’s stunt work together with a look at the media coverage that Jon Pertwee’s ‘Doctor Who’ garnered during its five-year tenure. All in all, a good example of the series’ attempt to broaden its appeal to an older audience. (Available now)
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:
Freddie Mercury - The Great Pretender: Produced by comedian and long-time Queen fan, Rhys Thomas, the BBC’s ‘Imagine’ strand looks at the life and career of Queen’s flamboyant front man concentrating on his solo career. (Tuesday 16 October – 10.35pm – BBC1)
Emmerdale: In a special hour-long live episode, the rural soap celebrates its fortieth anniversary with a selection of weddings, deaths and births. No plane crash though! (Wednesday 17 October – 7pm – ITV1).
Getting On: BAFTA winning Jo Brand returns for a third run of her darkly funny look at the National Health Service through the eyes of its jaded staff. (Wednesday 17 October – 10pm – BBC4).
07-10-2012 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by All About Soap magazine:
In EastEnders, Derek is left seething after Alice gets mugged, Abi tells Tanya that she and Jay are back together, and the pressure mounts on Syed – will he turn to city boy Danny? Meanwhile, Lola has her hearing at the youth court – but will she get baby Lexi back?
In Coronation Street, suspicious Deirdre follows Ken and is stunned when she comes face to face with former love rival Wendy Crozier! Also, Maria panics as Marcus goes AWOL, Kylie’s frustrated that she can’t provide for Max, and Tracy’s furious when Ryan suggests they slow down their relationship…
In Emmerdale, Jimmy’s shocked to find out Carl’s trying to sell his home, Chas lies that she stole Diane’s money, and Amy’s worried about mum Kerry’s attitude. Elsewhere, Declan’s not thrilled with Katie’s idea of a double wedding with Chas and Dan…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Rhys can’t get enough of Cindy – but she’s decided she wants to dump him! Also, Tony wants to buy Atwell’s, but faces stiff competition, Myra goes to visit Carmel, while Darren and Nancy reconcile for their baby’s christening.
07-10-2012 -TV NEWS OF THE WEEK: The Producers of ‘The Simpsons’ have invited viewers to contribute ideas for a couch gag to appear in the final episode of the current season. Ideas must feature all five members of the family, be realised in 2D animation and have no copyrightable elements.
Stephen Collins is joining the cast of FX’ ‘Falling Skies’ for its third season. The actor, who played Decker in 1979’s ‘Star Trek The Motion Picture’ and went on to star in the fondly remembered but short-lived ‘Tales of the Gold Monkey’ in the early eighties, will portray the former Commander-in-Chief of the US military now a freedom fighter against the alien occupation force.
ITV have revealed the date for the live episode of ‘Emmerdale’. The hour-long special which celebrates the fortieth anniversary of the show will air on Wednesday 17 October at 7pm. Rehearsals for the show began on 2 October with 61 cast members together with 350 supporting artistes being engaged for the episode. Producers have promised a script that will deliver “every aspect of life” with a least one of the regular cast meeting an untimely demise.
DVD OF THE WEEK: The Sweeney Series One (Blu Ray/Network DVD):
There are many TV shows that claim to have changed the face of television but ‘The Sweeney’ is one that doesn’t need to back it up. The evidence is there for all to see. Put together at a time when police dramas still featured cosy policemen confronting nasty crooks, ‘The Sweeney’ afforded the law the same honest dis-honestness it served its villain with. Shot on location on grainey 16mm film, the series has been totally remastered for a release on Blu Ray and it’s never looked better. The crisp colours and sharp images may take away some of the gritty atmosphere in places but ‘The Sweeney’ has never looked better revealing a 70s London full of sunshine colour without the muted brown wash that modern period productions seem happy to depict the era in. All the episodes bar one have been treated to the clean-up. The Blu Ray set features 4 lively commentaries from cast and crew together with a selection of intros from any of the guest cast. There’s also a well-produced and heavily detailed book on the first series’ production from TV historian Andrew Pixley. (Available now from www.networkdvd.net )
TV HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:
Fresh Meat: Posh beardy comedian Jack Whitehall and The Inbetweeners’ Joe Thomas star in the second series of the award-winning comedy as the university housemates return for a spring semester. Tuesday 9 October – 22.00 – Channel 4
Have I Got News For You: Ian Hislop and Paul Merton return for a ten episode run of the topical news quiz. Guest hosting in the first edition is the queen of Olympic commentary, Clare Balding. Friday 12 October – 21.00 – BBC1
Me and Mrs Jones: Filling the gap left by the inexplicably popular domestic sitcom ‘My Family’ comes this offering starring Sarah Alexander as a divorced mum who falls for the charms of an equally single Neil Morrissey at the school gates. Friday 12 October – 21.30 – BBC1
27-09-2012 - TV NEWS OF THE WEEK: Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson has revealed
he wants to direct an episode of ‘Doctor Who’. However, it appears that it’s not
just a pipe dream on his part. Neil Cross, the creator and writer of the BBC crime
series ‘Luther’ – himself a writer on the new series of ‘Doctor Who’ and currently
living in New Zealand – has also offered to write an episode for Jackson set in his
home country. However, although open to the idea, the show’s producers have pointed
out the logistics of filming an episode on the other side of the world and that it
wouldn’t happen very soon… at least not in the current series which continues early
in the new year.
The fifth series of the BBC’s ‘Merlin’ will premiere on Saturday
06 October at 7.45pm with the first episode of a two-part adventure entitled ‘Arthur’s
Bane’. The new 13-part run - widely accepted to be the final one – sees the return
of all the regular cast together with an appearance by Anthony Head as Uther Pendragon
– who apparently met his end in the last series.
The Coen Brothers are currently
developing a TV series based on their 1996 cult movie ‘Fargo’ which chronicled the
attempts by a pregnant policewoman to apprehend two useless criminals in Minesota.
It starred Frances Dormand and William H Macy. Ethan and Joel Cohen will act as executive
producers on the project, which is being put together for US station FX.
DVD OF THE
WEEK: GENERAL HOSPITAL – SERIES ONE
Lew Grade admitted one of his biggest mistakes was axing the medical serial drama
‘Emergency Ward Ten’ back in the 1960s. He kind of remedied that decision in 1973
when, as part of ITV’s then new daytime schedule, he brought ‘General Hospital’ to
the screens. Essentially, it was ‘EM10’ in all but name, chronicling the lives and
loves of the staff of a busy Midlands hospital. Of the initial run of 270 half-hour
episodes, only around 40 have survived and these come in a variety of original colour
VTs and grainy black and white film recordings.
Network’s new five-disc release contains all of these remaining examples. They are a pretty mixed bunch and broadly speaking fall into two consecutive runs. The first 26 are virtually intact with only the odd gap whilst a second batch runs from episode 231 until 240. These later episodes feature a pre-AbFab Joanna Lumley as a wealthy socialite with designs on Dr. Bywaters (played by Crossroads stalwart Tony Adams) and thankfully, the remaining episodes allow the storyline to adequately complete itself without leaving the viewer on a cliffhanger. Unfortunately however, a new storyline begins in episode 240 when a heavily pregnant woman becomes trapped in a lift with one of the hospital’s young nurses. Sadly we never find out the sex of the crisis-born baby or even how far 70s daytime TV went with its depiction of childbirth!
Whilst creaky in places, the series is an interesting view into past times. The BBC’s
‘Casualty’ relishes the idea of a major hotel fire as an effects and stunt-laden
TV event, whilst ‘General Hospital’s paucity means that such an occasion is relegated
to a receptionist telling medical staff the fact, as a single poorly patient is wheeled
on set. Nostalgia buffs will lap it all up and, no doubt, it will find a place on
their shelves next to the ‘Emmerdale Farm’, ‘Crossroads’ and ‘Emergency Ward Ten’
DVDs. Available now from Network DVD - £27.56 – www.networkdvd.net.
TV HIGHLIGHTS
OF THE WEEK:
Best Possible Taste: the Kenny Everett Story: A dramatisation of the popular DJ
and comedian’s life concentrating on his unconventional married life. Stars Oliver
Lansely as Everett, Katherine Kelly as his wife Lee, Simon Callow as Richard Attenborough
and Jonathan Kerrigan as John Alkin. Wednesday 03 October – 21.00 – BBC4
Red Dwarf
X: Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Robert Llewellyn and Danny John Jules return (at
last) in the first of six brand new episodes of the cult SF comedy. And the word
is, it’s so much better than their last short-lived effort at a resurrection. Thursday
04 October – 21.00 – Dave.
Modern Family: The delayed fourth series of the Emmy award-winning comedy begins
with Jay (Ed O’Neill) reacting to the news that his wife (Sofia Vergara) is pregnant
in his own unique way. Friday 05 October – 20.00 – Sky1
23-09-2012 - Here’s the soap news for the next seven days, brought to you by ‘All About Soap’ magazine…
In EastEnders, Sharon attends an addicts’ support group, things get steamy between AJ and Roxy, and Joey tries to land Derek in trouble – but his plan backfires horribly. Elsewhere, Syed is under pressure: brother Tamwar is suspicious of him, while dad Masood is snooping around his finances too. Can handsome stranger Danny help?
In Coronation Street, Ken is rocked when he bumps into former lover Wendy Crozier! Also, Kirsty’s mum arrives, saying she’s left her abusive husband, Lloyd tries too hard to bond with daughter Jenna, and Michelle and Ryan come to blows over his relationship with Michelle…
In Emmerdale, Kerry checks out of hospital, but will Amy try to stop her leaving the village? Meanwhile, Declan accuses Robbie of stealing, Ashley’s crushed when his family move in with Marlon, and Debbie’s shocked when she discovers Sarah has leukaemia and needs her transplant sooner rather than later…
Finally, in Hollyoaks, Rhys and Cindy try to resist temptation, Riley is gobsmacked when fugitive Mitzeee shows up on his doorstep, and Doug reaches a life-changing decision. Elsewhere, on the morning of her wedding, Mercedes is distraught to discover little Bobby is missing – has someone taken the young boy?”
26-08-2012 - The US remake of the BBC’s ‘Blake’s 7’ is nearing production. SyFy have commissioned a pilot script from ‘Heroes’ writer Joe Pokaski which, if the channel is happy with, will mean a commission for a new 13-part series. The pilot is tentatively to be directed by Martin Campbell – the film director who cut his teeth in British television with episodes of ‘The Professionals’ and the original BBC version of Edge of Darkness. The new version will be a complete remake in the style of SyFy critically acclaimed ‘Battlestar Galactica’ reboot and be produced by US company Georgeville Television for SyFy.
David Walliams is to co-write and star in a new BBC1 sitcom. Tentatively titled ‘Autumn Leaves’ the series will be set in a secondary school. A pilot is currently being filmed and Walliams has been quoted as saying that it has “attracted a stellar cast”. Meanwhile, BBC3’s new school-based comedy ‘Bad Education’ which stars comedian Jack Whitehall, has also been commissioned for a second series.
ITV has also announced further commissions for popular favourites. ‘Vera’, ‘Scott & Bailey’ and ‘Law & Order: UK’ have all been given the go ahead for new episodes. The latter will not feature Freema Agyeman however since she is currently committed to filming episodes of the US “Sex in the City’ spin-off ‘The Carrie Diaries’.
This week’s TV highlights includes Charlie Brooker’s long awaited cop show spoof ‘A Touch of Cloth’ which debuts tonight at 9pm on Sky One and continues tomorrow at the same time. The whole two-hour comedy is being repeated in omnibus form on Sky2 on Tuesday from 9pm and again on Sky1 on Friday at 10pm.
The new series of ‘New Tricks’ – its ninth – begins on BBC1 tomorrow night at 9pm. The current run will see the departure of James Bolam and the arrival of Denis Lawson. Tomorrow’s episode sees the team investigating a 100 year old murder.
Star Trek’s Sir Patrick Stewart investigates his late father’s life in ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ on BBC1 at 9pm on Wednesday.
And a reminder – if you hadn’t already realised – the London 2012 Paralympics begins with its opening ceremony on Channel 4 at 8pm on Wednesday. of the popular detective series before calling it a day. The BBC recently commissioned two further series. Redman has been with the show since its debut in 2003 and her departure follows that of her co-star James Bolam recently. Whilst Bolam has been replaced by Denis Lawson, there’s no word yet on who will fill Redman’s shoes in series ten.
Trent Sound TV News
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